‘BIN LADEN’ SHOOTS DOWN REPS

MATSAPHA – A real star-studded derby it was - and one team was left standing!

That is the super match between top sides, Correctional Services and Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) last Saturday at His Majesty’s Correctional Services Hall. 

It was a top-of-the-table and dog-eat-dog clash - Correctional two points and a game ahead at the summit, while their rivals were on second before the match. 

This was in the Manzini Regional Pool Association (MRPA)-run Dixie’s International Pool League.

On paper, one would be pardoned for predicting a win for REPS as they have more of the crème de la crème than Correctional who, however, boast the country’s number one, Flag Nxumalo along with renowned Malkerns star, Nhlanhla ‘Bin Laden’ Mbingo.

Mbingo was the match winner on the day as he killed it for his team right in the final stages against a tough and well gifted young Siyabonga Dlamini.

The match ended 13-11, Correctional Services won. However, it was after a good fight and show of talent from both sets of teams.

bringing

Correctional went ahead from the onset, Andile Malambe bringing down Majaha Dlamini in opening frame before Constable Khoza levelled matters. It was always level in the first five and at break time, it was 5-5.

After the break, REPS took things into their hands to cue in three good finishes with the black and went 8-5 up following some strong breaks from the cue line. 

Surprisingly, star player Sibusiso Nhlabatsi was an unused substitute on the day as he watched his team crash.

They fought back to 8-7 and then 11-9 but just when it all appeared well in order for the police team, one of the most sought-after pool players, ‘Bin Laden’ and Nxumalo had other plans to keep their club at the summit.

final

While Nxumalo did well too, the star of the day was match winner, ‘Bin Laden’ who ensured they won their final frame when it was 12-11, giving REPS no chance for a decider. REPS dropped to third after the defeat and are now four points behind. REPS gave up the second spot to Figareido who are also on a winning run these days. 

As REPS lost on Saturday, it was not enough as their player and spokesperson, Constable Norman Khoza was slapped with a two-match suspension and his team fined E500 for media utterances he made about two months ago regarding cancelling the league and starting from scratch. 

This happened the next day when Khoza appeared before the Manzini Regional Pool Association (MRPA) Disciplinary Committee.

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