Times Of Swaziland: ‘MLABA’ STRONG FAVOURITE FOR BEST GOALKEEPER

‘MLABA’ STRONG FAVOURITE FOR BEST GOALKEEPER
================================================================================
Nimrod Hlophe on 14/03/2025 07:23:00


MBABANE - With just one game remaining on the cards, Royal Leopard’s Mlamuli
‘Mlaba’ Makhanya is in the running for the Best Goalkeeper award for the
Ingwenyama Cup tournament.
Makhanya stands the best chance to win following his team performance as they
have reached the finals of the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF)
competition without conceding. Their journey to the finals kicked off with a 4-0
triumph over Ubombo Flyers. In the round of 16, they eliminated defending
champions Green Mamba with a 1-0 victory, continuing their winning streak with
identical 1-0 scores against Ezulwini United and Young Buffaloes in the
quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively.
On the other hand, Moneni Pirates goalkeeper Bernard Ayikwei has also been
putting in a solid performance, keeping two clean sheets in four matches.
However, he has conceded two goals against Manzini Sea Birds and Mbabane
Swallows.
Conceding
It is worth noting that Makhanya’s record emulates that of Mbabane Swallows in
the previous edition of the tournament, where they reached the finals without
conceding a goal. The only goal they let in robbed them of the title, but it did
not stop Sandanezwe Mathabela from pocketing E10 000 for being named the best
goalkeeper of the tournament.
In another exciting twist, Buffaloes’ Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze is waiting
with bated breath, as he is on the brink of snatching the top goalscorer award,
despite his team’s exit. He currently holds a two-goal lead over Moneni
Pirates’ Bi Zahi Herve, who is trailing with a three-goal difference. As the
tournament heads into its final stretch, it remains to be seen who will come out
on top and seize the moment.