(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Moneni Pirates ................1
Vukile 23rd,
Manzini Sea Birds ............2
'Suarez' 19th, Mlandvo 77th
MANZINI - 'Izinyoni Zolwandle,' Manzini Sea Birds, have flown back to the summit of the 2025/26 MTN Premier League following their victory over city rivals Moneni Pirates on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Mavuso Sports Centre.
Goals from Mayibongwe 'Suarez' Mabuza and Mlandvo Tsabedze not only ensured that Sea Birds claimed the bragging rights but also usurped the top spot from Green Mamba, who played out a 2-2 draw against Ezulwini United at KaLanga Technical Centre on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
The win saw Friday Myeni's side reclaim the top spot, now two points clear of Correctional Services side and Rangers. Rangers stunned Mbabane Swallows 2-0 during their fixture also played yesterday.
Sea Birds now sit on 13 points, having also previously robbed Manzini Wanderers of bragging rights with a 4-0 victory.
Vukile Khumalo's lone strike from the spot was not enough to earn Meck Mwase's side a third win, but instead saw them suffer their third defeat of the season. They remain two places above the drop zone.
The match was a thrilling mini-derby, with both teams showing clear intent to get full points. The visitors drew first blood just inside the 20-minute mark, with 'Suarez' Mabuza finishing off well Mthokozisi 'Joninho' Gwebu's cross in the 19th minute.
However, the hosts fought back and equalised four minutes later when Lindani 'Kitso' Mtsetfwa fouled Senanelo 'Juju' Nkambule, and Vukile Khumalo converted the penalty.
The city rivals battled it out, with Sea Birds eventually taking the lead again. In the second half, the intensity picked up, and temperatures boiled over after the hour mark. A mini-skirmish around the centre line led to the Sea Birds' coach being red-carded from the bench in the 61st minute. Richard Ofosu and 'Suarez' were booked with Referee Thembinkosi 'Dovos' Dlamini quickly intervening in the scuffle that was joined by other players.
Mlandvo Tsabedze then sealed the win for Sea Birds with a thunderous shot that deflected in, securing their position at the top of the table with just 13 minutes remaining on the clock.
'Sea Roobers' desperately searched for an equaliser which never came.
However, the winners and log leaders now have nine games to maintain their position to win the E120 000 first-round incentive.
Manzini Sea Birds goalkeeper Lindani 'Kitso' Mtsetfwa watches the ball as it goes to kiss the net from the spot by Moneni Pirates' Vukile Khumalo. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)