(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Ubombo Sugar.....(0)1
'Vardy' 83rd
Sea Birds.....(2)2
Muzi 15th, William 35th
MANZINI - Manzini Sea Birds secured a third-place finish and a substantial E90 000 prize, flying past Ubombo Sugar FC in the 8Bet Trade Fair bronze medal match.
Sea Birds got off to a quick start, with Muzi Tsabedze rising high to meet a William Kunene corner kick and expertly heading the ball past a static Ubombo Sugar defence just 15 minutes in. It was a well-executed set piece that put them ahead.
Ubombo's struggles continued as they were caught out again 10 minutes before the break. Kunene, proving to be the architect of their downfall, capitalised on a lapse in concentration from Ubombo to squeeze a low shot through a sea of legs, doubling Sea Birds’ lead. Ubombo Sugar appeared fatigued from the one-week tournament, and their best chance of the half—a shot from Gcina Matsebula on the edge of the box—fizzled agonisingly wide.
The second half saw Ubombo Sugar attempt to inject life into their side with the introduction of Avela Mkhumane, but Sea Birds continued to dominate. They even brought on the impressive Mthokosizi Gwebu, who had an outstanding tournament despite playing with a heavily bandaged leg, to further bolster their attack.
However, the match took an unexpected turn with 10 minutes to go. After a fantastic cross from Mlandvo Tsabedze found Muzi Tsabedze, the forward froze in front of the goal, missing an opportunity to put the game to bed. Moments later, Ubombo Sugar were handed a lifeline when Gcinizwi Dlamini fouled Matsebula in the box. Melusi 'Vardy' Thwala stepped up to convert the resulting penalty, halving the deficit to make it 2-1 with seven minutes left on the clock.
Despite Ubombo Sugar's late surge, Sea Birds held on for the narrow win. For their fourth-place finish, Ubombo Sugar will take home E35 000.
Manzini Sea Birds secure third place! They were awarded a replica cheque of E90 000 after edging Ubombo Sugar 2-1 in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup third-place play-off. (Pic: Sanele Jele)