VOVOVO RELEGATED!

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
Vovovo...(0)1
Menzi 49th
Pirates...(0)1
Menzi 71st

LOBAMBA - They just could not hold on to their 1-0 lead - bye bye Vovovo from top flight!

While their forward Menzi Shabangu’s 49th minute goal had brought some hope, at least until the last game this weekend, it took his namesake Menzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane to cancel out their lead as he scored from the spot kick albeit a questionable hand ball inside the box.

There were heavy protests from Pirates players that even earned them two cautions in the process in what was a high-tension and physical match it was shocking how there was no red card on both sides.

Vovovo were the better team in second half and conceded against run of play. They kept piling the pressure on Pirates ,who also defended with their lives as they also needed something from the match to be clear of relegation.

The Buccaneers have since survived, along with Manzini Sundowns and Tambuti as they have 25 points while Vovovo can only finish at 24 if they win last game.

They also join rookies Mbabane Citizens, who were confirmed as going down to First Division in the previous match. The relegation comes after three seasons in elite football for Vovovo.

They had earned promotion through play-off during the increase of clubs to 14 three seasons ago. Had Vovovo taken their chances in the  second half, especially in the 66th when Manqoba Tsabedze hit the side net with the goalie Siyabonga Zwane to beat. Two minutes later, striker Sibusiso Tfwala failed to connect a searching cross across the goal mouth with the keeper at sea.

Their coach Gcina ‘Magiyane’ Dlamini threw everything to try and turn the game but it was not to be - First Division is where they will play next season where they can try to return as quickly as possible if they retain a bulk of their players. That was confirmed even by a big miss in stoppage time as late substitute Bhekani shot inches wide from inside six yards.

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