‘SAVIOLA’ ON TARGET, ‘BUFFS’ MARCH ON

Manzini Sea Birds....... (0)0
Young Buffaloes........... (0)1
‘Saviola’ 21st

LOBAMBA – Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze took his tally to 17 to inspire leaders Young Buffaloes to a 1-0 win over Manzini Sea Birds.

The win for the Dominic Kunene-led charges did not only ensure that they maintained the top spot with 38 points and seven points ahead of closest challengers Mbabane Swallows, but it was a welcome change following the army side’s quarter-finals exit in the Ingwenyama Cup at the hands of Green Mamba last weekend.

The victory also proved Buffaloes’ dominance over Manzini Sea Birds, as in the first round the visitors won 3-0.
For Sea Birds, it spelled trouble, as they are one place above the drop zone with 13 points after15 games.

Buffaloes had a bright start as in the seven minutes Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba forced the opposition goalkeeper Bafana Ngwenya to make a save.
The goal was long coming as Buffaloes were attacking in droves and at one point they had four corner kicks but the Sibusiso Dlamini-led defence managed to keep the visitors at bay. It was not long before Buffaloes broke the deadlock.

It was through a curled cross by Sihlangu defender Lindo Mkhonta from the right flank which met the well positioned ‘Saviola’ who headed home to make it 1-0 nine minutes from the half-hour mark.

Ali Matse almost made it 2-0 but goalkeeper Ngwenya managed to make a beautiful save 25 minutes into the game.
The hosts were close to levelling matters with 10 minutes before half time through a Thabo Langa free kick but goalkeeper Nhlanhla Gwebu did well to ensure the the game ended 1-0 at halftime.

On resumption of play, the hosts seemed to have gained strength as they threatened to score.
However, their efforts were watered down as they lost possession in the final third.
Muzi Tsabedze saw his shot deflected for a fruitless corner in the 55th minute.

In the hour mark Xolani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze’s well taken volley was off the target by inches.
The army side came back strong firing in the last 20 minutes.Phiwa Dlamini who replaced Ndoda Mthethwa was guilty as charged when his poor shot was easily saved by Ngwenya.

Substitute Ndumiso Dlamini who came in for Banele Mkhabela also got a chance from a Fanelo ‘Order’Mamba cross.
Just when the opponents were starting promising attacks referee Mbongeni Shongwe blew the final whistle marking the end of the game much to the chagrin of the hosts’ fans.

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