Times Of Swaziland: ‘BULL’ EDGE WASTEFUL ‘SEA ROBBERS’

‘BULL’ EDGE WASTEFUL ‘SEA ROBBERS’
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Nimrod Hlophe on 06/08/2023 15:30:00


MANZINI – Moneni Pirates will be kicking themselves after they squandered
their chances and handed the game to Mbabane Highlanders on a silver platter.
The match did not have to reach the penalty shoutout as Pirates had a golden
opportunity to upset the Solly Luvhengo-coached Highlanders when they were
awarded a penalty seven minutes after the hour mark. The spot kick came at a
time when the ‘Sea Robbers’, as Pirates are affectionately known, were
dominating the game with their fluid and creative play. Pirates’ wonderkid
Malibongwe Malinga was brought down inside the box by seasoned defender Mandla
Palma. Kitwe Kazadi stepped up to take the spot kick, but saw his effort parried
away by goalkeeper Khanyakwenzwe Shabalala. This eventually saw the game end 0-0
after referee Thulani Sibandze’s final whistle. However, it was a game that
could have gone either way in a fast and skill-filled encounter that kept the
over 5 000 fans on the edge of their seats.
Impressive
After a lively start, Pirates were in control early on with their impressive
runs, but they could not break through the solid Highlanders defence. The latter
fought back and balanced the game with their two impressive guest players
Matamela Ndou on the left wing and Cebo Meyiwa in the attacking midfield. The
match had to be decided by penalties, where Highlanders showed their nerves of
steel and converted all their five kicks, while Pirates missed one and lost 5-3.