(At KaLanga Technical Centre)
Wanderers...............1
Shumi 43rd
Sea Birds.................2
Khaya 41st, Joseph 80th
SITEKI - Manzini Sea Birds narrowly edged past a struggling Manzini Wanderers 2-1 yesterday, handing the ‘Weslians’ their 16th defeat of the season and leaving them firmly rooted in the relegation zone.
The pulsating MTN Premier League Week 24 encounter was staged under scorching heat at the KaLanga Technical Centre. The clash, which saw Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane among the spectators, left Wanderers in deep peril with a mere eight points, while Sea Birds maintained second position on 47 points.
Tactician Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe made notable adjustments to the Wanderers line-up, handing goalkeeper Fisokuhle Shongwe a start in place of Mario Jamine. Concerningly, there were no paramedics present at the match, forcing team doctors to tend to injured players on several occasions.
The opening exchanges saw both sides trade blows. Mthokozisi ‘Juninho’ Gwebu tested Shongwe early on, while seasoned Wanderers midfielder Lwazi ‘Shumi’ Mamba linked up well with Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko, only to be thwarted by Mkhuleko Magagula.
Sea Birds’ winger Khaya Dlamini wasted a golden opportunity in the 20th minute, opting to shoot rather than square the ball to Mthokozisi. At the other end, Siphamandla Dhlamini missed a sitter after 24 minutes, much to the frustration of the Wanderers faithful.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 41st minute when Khaya Dlamini tapped home a well-crafted delivery from Philane ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto. However, the lead lasted just two minutes as Shumi clinically levelled matters for Wanderers, ensuring the sides went into the interval inseparable.
The second half remained a cagey affair. Wanderers pressed forward, with Nhlanhla ‘Mashonisa’ Vilane setting up Shumi, but the midfielder failed to convert from close range. For Sea Birds, Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza struggled to find space against a Wanderers backline marshalled by captain Siphamandla Manana and Linda Msibi.
The turning point arrived in the 80th minute. Sea Birds substitute Joseph Kibonge rose to meet a clever pass from Muzie Tsabedze, looping a header past Shongwe to restore the lead. Despite a late onslaught from the home side, the Sea Birds defence held firm under pressure.
The final whistle confirmed a season double for Sea Birds, while Wanderers are left facing the grim reality of possible relegation with only a handful of games remaining.
Manzini Wanderers veteran gaffer Nyanga 'Crooks' Hlophe reacts after the match.