‘BUFFS’ GORE SEA BIRDS, FIVE POINTS CLEAR

LOBAMBA- Three goals were enough to ensure Young Buffaloes condemn Manzini Sea Birds to a defeat yesterday.

Wandile ‘Skosh’ Shabangu, Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze and Phiwa Dlamini were all on target to inspire the army side to a 3-0 victory in a near empty stadium. Buffaloes are now five points clear with 25 points after nine games and are yet to lose a game. Only Royal Leopard have managed to hold them to a goal-less draw a week ago. The army side are left with Green Mamba, Pigg’s Black Swallows, Moneni Pirates and Tambuti, in no particular order. For the Sea Birds, it was one of their worst performances since the start of the league and they are currently perched on 10th spot with eight points. Wandile ‘Skosh’ Shabangu could have registered his name on the scorers’ chart but his shot was blocked by Sea Birds captain Sibusiso Dlamini 10 minutes into the game.

Benefitting

‘Skosh’ eventually scored after benefiting from a Phiwa Dlamini rebound shot and he let fly a powerful ground shot that beat Sea Birds goalkeeper Lindani Mtsetfwa hands down 20 minutes into the first half. The visiting side conceded a penalty in the 21st  minute after Sandumuzi Zwane shielded Fanelo ‘ Order’ Mamba and referee Wandile ‘Mancane’ Magagula pointed to the spot, much to the chagrin of the over 20 Sea Birds fans. MTN Premier League top goalscorer Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze made no mistake when he converted from the spot eight minutes from the half hour mark. Manzini Sea Birds thought they had earned themselves a penalty when Buffaloes’ Siboniso Mamba handled the ball inside the danger zone but referee ‘Mancane’ waved play-on with eight minutes from half time.

A good move between Ali Matse and Phiwa saw the latter netting the third goal with six minutes from break. He unleashed a volley from a weighted pass from Matse, giving the goalkeeper no chance across the posts. The game went into the breather with the army side leading 3-0. After resumption, the Dominic Kunene-led charges continued from where they left off. ‘Order’ almost made it 4-0 but watched agonisingly as his goal-bound volley from 40 yards shaved the woodwork for a goal kick in the 56th minute.

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