‘BUFFS’ DROP CRUCIAL POINTS

MBABANE – Young Buffaloes MTN Premier League title ambitions have taken a knock after dropping crucial points against inconsistent Green Mamba.

The two-time champions, who were just three points shy of the top spot before yesterday’s mid-week ‘Y’ello fiesta’, needed all the three points to keep the leading pack in sight. They got more than they had bargained for against a rigid Green Mamba side that stole a point in the 1-all draw. The feisty forces derby was played at a bumpy Prince of Wales Sports Ground in Mbabane. With five games to spare, Sabelo Mnisi’s troops are now on a wing and a prayer in their bid to win their second league title in three years.  

Points

Buffaloes have not only dropped one place to fourth behind Mbabane Swallows, but they are further five points adrift of the leading pair of Royal Leopard and Mbabane Highlanders  who beat Manzini Sea Birds and Milling Hot Spurs by 1-0 and 3-1, in that order. Swallows, on the other hand, made it three in a row against Manzini Wanderers to jump to the third spot.
Back to yesterday’s game, the visitors showed no respect for their illustrious opponents who won 4-1 in the reverse fixture. Notably, tension could be ‘cut with a blunt knife’ as the game was more physical. Seasoned referee Mbongeni Shongwe was forced to repeatedly dig into his side pockets to caution players.  

After a goalless opening half headlined by a miss from Green Mamba forward Musa Dlamini from about two yards out; the game sprung to life after the restart. Just before the hour mark, Green Mamba’s sturdy defender Sanele Tshawuka had to put his body in the firing line to block an attempt by Ali Matse. The visibly frustrated hosts threw more bodies forward in search of the elusive opener and further added fresh legs upfront. Lanky forward Phiwa Dlamini was introduced for Matse. However, disaster struck for Buffaloes as the opponents drew first blood against the run of play. It was Musa who benefitted from a goal-mouth scramble to fire home with aplomb from close range, after goalkeeper Nhlanhla Gwebu failed to wipe a Mbutfo Dlamini effort to safety 12 minutes from time.

Joy

However, it was short-lived joy for the away side, as parity was restored five minutes later. Green Mamba skipper Banele ‘Makonese’ Dlamini was adjudged to hacked substitute forward Phiwa Dlamini with an open boot in the box and Sifiso ‘Junior’ Mazibuko stepped up forward to convert the resultant spot kick. The  latter calmly converted from 12 yards out. The teams attacked in dribs and drabs in the dying minutes of the game, and they could still not be separated when referee Shongwe blew his final whistle. The result meant Enerst Mavuso’s charges maintained their place in the top eight of the 16-team league, while Buffaloes dropped to fourth with 53 points.

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