(At KaLanga Technical Centre)
Wanderers............1
Malwande 85th
Green Mamba.......2
Mshishi 6th, Bhekani 39th
SITEKI – Under cool Siteki skies, Green Mamba delivered a sharp, late-season 2-1 sting to sink relegated Manzini Wanderers and keep their top-four chase alive yesterday.
The visitors struck with venom at KaLanga Technical Centre, edging National First Division-bound Wanderer 2-1 to stay firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish and a share of the E120 000 prize pot.
A modest crowd braved the cool afternoon to watch Green Mamba tighten their grip on fourth, moving to 45 points with a game to spare. They now sit three points behind Young Buffaloes, who face Mbabane Highlanders today. If Buffaloes stall on 48 points and Green Mamba win their finale against Tabankulu Celtics, the Correctional Services side could snatch the cash, especially since Buffaloes hold the head-to-head advantage, derailing their hopes for a third-place finish.
Bongani Mhlongo now turns his attention to their final fixture against Tabankulu Celtics, whilst Wanderers’ fate is sealed. Mbabane Swallows and Royal Leopard’s results will also shape whether Green Mamba can cash in on their late surge.
Green Mamba were bolstered by the comeback of veteran goalkeeper Xolani ‘Xoxo’ Gama, who marked his first start in months with a composed display. The visitors took control early when Mbongeni ‘Mshishi’ Magagula fired them ahead in the sixth minute, leaving Fisokuhle Shongwe grasping at air. Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe’s afternoon unravelled further when Shongwe limped off on 35 minutes and was replaced by Mario Jamine. Notably, Jamine had not attended training the day prior due to a reported miscommunication. Nine minutes later, Bhekani Mthembu doubled the lead. FIFA-accredited Referee Sanele Ntimane blew for half-time with Green Mamba two up and comfortably in charge.
The second half saw Wanderers stir. Mcondisi Ndzimandze forced a routine save from Gama and for five minutes the hosts pressed without reward. Green Mamba soon regained their rhythm as Mshishi carved into the 18-yard box, only for Siphamandla Manana to clear. Bongani Mhlongo’s men continued to probe, with substitute Mphumuzo ‘Bhada’ Sangweni meeting Kwanele Shongwe’s pass, but dragging his effort wide.
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Manzini Wanderers’ Malwande Gwebu scores past Green Mamba’s Xolani ‘Xoxo’ Gama.Wanderers lost 2-1 to the Correctional side. (Pic: Sanele Jele)