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WANDERERS ‘TWO-GOOD’ FOR ‘BUCS’

08/05/2023 08:23:00 Machawe Fakudze

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MANZINI – It was a sweet revenge for Manzini Wanderers, as they beat Moneni Pirates 2-0 in an entertaining MTN Premier League game played here yesterday.

The ‘Sea Robbers’ of Moneni won the first round Manzini derby 1-0, which was played at the same venue on December 10, 2022. Wanderers came to this match oozing with confidence after evading relegation last week; this was after they thrashed MTN National First Division-bound Tambankulu Callies 2-1. It was the Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe-led side that made their intentions known two minutes into the game, as they opened the deadlock through Njabulo ‘Koko’ Gama. The former Ezulwini United galloping striker received a nice pass from Thabo Langa and delivered a cracker, which rested on the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Ncanawe Ndlandla with no chance between the sticks.

Wanderers added the second goal 19 minutes into the game through skipper Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule. This was after Man of the Match ‘Koko’ was hacked down inside the box by Samkelo Ginindza. Mlaba took the responsibility and sent Ndlandla the wrong direction. Meanwhile, Pirates who missed creative midfield maestro Mbongeni ‘Mshishi’ Magagula through suspension, never threatened Wanderers as they created minimum scoring chances. Wanderers, on the other hand, should have gone to half-time leading 4-0 as Phathizwe Mabuza missed a number of clear cut scoring chances. The score at half-time was 2-0 in favour of the maroon and white hub giants.

The second half saw both teams engaging another gear in search of goals, which proved futile, until Referee Letticia Viana blew her final whistle. Wanderers dislodged rookies Madlenya from the 10th spot, as they are now at 27 points with a game to spare. Wanderers will go to their final match of the season against Mbabane Highlanders with their heads up as they will want to finish the league winning all the last three games.