JEKWA’S LATE STRIKE RESCUES LEOPARD FROM PIRATES

(At Mhlume Stadium)
M. Pirates...........(1)1
Saneliso 37th
R. Leopard..........(0)1
Jekwa 89th

MHLUME – In a thrilling encounter at Mhlume Stadium, a last-minute strike from former Moneni Pirates marksman Sibonelo ‘Jekwa’ Simelane rescued Royal Leopard from the brink of defeat.

The police side salvaged a 1-all draw against Moneni Pirates amidst inclement weather. The match, witnessed by a sparse crowd of fewer than 100 spectators, including representatives from the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RESCorp), became a tense battle as ambitions clashed on the field. The police side, yearning for retribution following a 0-2 setback against the Buccaneers in the recent 8Bet Trade Fair Cup Round of 16, were caught off guard by the tenacity and determination of Moneni, who approached the game with newfound vigour.

As the first half unfolded, Leopard found themselves trailing at the interval, only to secure a crucial equaliser moments before the final whistle, which elevated them to four points alongside Green Mamba and Young Buffaloes after just two games. Previously, they had been in a position to ascend to the top of the league standings following their 1-0 victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs, but this time they faced greater challenges.

The match was a closely contested affair, with both sides creating clear chances yet failing to convert. Leopard’s new recruit, Felix Badenhorst, had an opportunity to break the deadlock within the first 10 minutes, only for his effort to be expertly thwarted by Pirates’ keeper Ncanawe Ndlandla. A golden chance slipped through Junior Magagula’s fingers seven minutes before the break when Ndlandla misjudged a ball, leaving Magagula with a clear pass that he could not capitalise on. Felix was again presented with a golden opportunity, unmarked just metres away from the goal, but he squandered it mere minutes before the half-hour mark.

Aggrieved

In contrast, Moneni’s Sizwe Gwebu tested Leopard goalkeeper Mlamuli Makhanya with a shot just two minutes before the half-hour mark. Later, Innocent Pakule felt aggrieved when he was denied a penalty after being shielded by Simanga Masangane but referee Vusani Dlamini opted to play on. The breakthrough for Pirates came in the 37th minute, as Saneliso Nkambule embarked on a solo run, unleashing a fierce shot that left Makhanya with no chance, sending the over 50 Pirates supporters into raptures. Nkambule had previously shone with a brace in Pirates’ victory over Leopard in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup. The score at half-time was 1-0 in favour of Pirates.

Junior Magagula had a goal disallowed for offside in the 72nd minute, a moment reminiscent of a similar incident during the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup match, where his previous goal was ruled offside. Magagula’s free-kick was cleared by Pirates captain Menzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane, leading to another missed opportunity. Leopard’s persistence bore fruit in the 89th minute, as Sikhumbuzo Magagula delivered a calculated cross, perfectly placed for Jekwa to tap in, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: