LEOPARD ON TOP

MHLUME - The MTN Premier League title race gets interesting with each passing game.

Security forces ensemble Royal Leopard will end the year on top after recording a 2-0 win away at RSSC United at Nsukuwansuku Stadium in Mhlume yesterday. Goals from striker Barry Steenkamp and midfielder Bongani ‘Chicken’ Sibandze in each half ensured the blue and white outfit unseated pacesetters Mbabane Swallows at the summit of the standings.

The away side wanted to stamp their authority from the onset as youngster Bonginkhosi Dlamini shaved the cross bar with a curled volley from the left flank in the third minute. However, it was RSSC who almost drew first blood as striker Myron Shongwe’s free kick was wiped away by Leopard goalkeeper Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini in the sixth minute.

Leopard pressed forward more often for the opener and they did not wait for too long as Steenkamp beat a flat-footed RSSC defence  to score with a pint-point strike in the 12th minute. The opening half was characterised by a few scoring opportunities. The hosts rarely had a meaningful shot on target; hence Leopard enjoyed a narrow lead at the break.

The next half was tightly contested but it was Leopard who looked the likeliest to score. RSSC’s few chances were fumbled by gangly forward Mbuso Gina in front of goal.
Sifiso Nuro Ntibane’s charges almost doubled their advantage but Steenkamp volleyed wide from close range from a Leonard Bongso cross on the right wing in the 63rd minute.

The game lost momentum towards the end and the less than 300 spectators had concluded that Leopard would hold onto to the solitary goal win when Sibandze doubled the tally with a timely strike from Steenkamp pass in the box two minutes from time.
The final result saw Leopard lead by three points ahead of Swallows before the festive break. They have 25 points in 12 matches. It was also sweet revenge for Leopard as they had lost 2-3 to RSSC in the first round.

Man of the match: Barry Steenkamp – The Sihlangu forward wasted countless opportunities but made his side tick upfront. He scored the opener with a pint-point strike before he created the winner scored by Bongani ‘Chicken’ Sibandze.
Crowd: Less than 300
Weather: Hot

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