Times Of Swaziland: BUFFS RIP WANDERERS APART

BUFFS RIP WANDERERS APART
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Chris Dlamini on 31/03/2022 08:28:00


MANZINI - They are simply fallen hub giants - they were 3-1 down in just 45
minutes.
That is Manzini Wanderers who are flirting with relegation this season.  Despite
having central and experienced decorated defender Mandla Palma recalled into the
side just after two games since they released him, they were just outplayed and
lucky it was not 4-1 in the opening half, as one goal was denied for a minor
contact with the goalkeeper by Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze. Buffaloes
deservedly took the lead nine minutes into the match, after national team
Sihlangu Semnikati debutant against Somalia, Kwakhe Thwala’s header in goal
mouth scramble was flicked into the net, over the frozen goalkeeper Bongiswa
Dlamini, by defender Sandile Mhlanga he could not get to it after his touch.
This was inside the opening 10 minutes where Kwakhe had seen his clear chance go
wide when all expected it to hit the back of the net with the defence and
goalkeeper all beaten two minutes into the match. Wanderers did get a half
chance as a response to the early goal, but Fabrice Mopina was tightly marked
though his effort was weak in the end to beat goalkeeper Phumlani Ngobese.
perfect
However, Fabrice made no mistake in two minutes from half-time when he tapped
into an empty net a perfect low cross into his path by yet another  Sihlangu
call-up debutant Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini to make it 2-1. Buffaloes had
scored their second through winger Sifiso ‘General’ Mazibuko a minute after
the hour-mark.  He took full advantage of a defensive error by Palma, whose
clearance came off Captain and right back Mthunzi Motsa to drop in favour of
Mazibuko who lobbed over the goalie who was way out of his goal. Just when many
thought the match would settle for the break at 2-1, Kwakhe made it 3-1 with a
wondrous corner right into the back of the net in the far post.
Back from the break, Buffaloes made it worse and it was no laughing matter
anymore, some fans even walked out 10 minutes into the second half as it was now
5-1. Two goals in quick succession by Buffaloes, in the 53rd and 54th by Sandile
‘Saviola’ Gamedze who is also a national team star before Mopina sliced a
second late in the match. This did not end with just walking out but also
triggered some insults to coach Velekhaya Mthethwa, who was on his third game in
charge. The supporters could not bear it anymore - their team has not been
competing most recently in the MTN Premier League but playing to avoid
relegation and finish in the top eight, while trophies have been scarce for 17
years now. The defeat condemned them as they stood to drop further down from
their ninth position should Denver Sundowns win against Vovovo. Buffaloes on the
other hand remain on course as they are third with 36 points after 18 games, not
far from the two teams Mbabane Highlanders and Royal Leopard.