BUFFALOES STRETCH UNBEATEN RUN TO 36 GAMES IN LEAGUE

BIG BEND – Unstoppable Young Buffaloes are now on a 35-game league unbeaten run after yesterday’s 1-0 win over struggling Moneni Pirates.

The army side last lost a league match 1-0 on November 30, 2018, against Green Mamba. Yesterday, they chucked up their sixth win of the season courtesy of a 83rd minute strike by super-substitute Phiwa Dlamini who has netted his third goal in as many weeks. The win did not only ensure the army side remain on top of the log standings, but it also helped them to protect their precious record of 35 games unbeaten run in the league since November 30, 2018.The Sabelo Mnisi-led charges last lost a league match against Green Mamba in the 2018/19 season which the latter won 1-0. Since November 30, 2018, they have not lost a single league game, finishing that season unbeaten in 11 games. They went on to win the cancelled 2019/20 season unbeaten in 18 games. In the current season, they have had a dream start with six wins and a draw in seven games. They are currently leading the pack with three points ahead of second place Manzini Sea Birds with a game in hand having accumulated 19 points.

With Pirates’ poor start in the 16-team league, one would have expected it to be a walk in the park for the visiting side, but that was not the case as they scored with seven minutes to spare. All thanks to a curling cross from the fast improving Sibonelo Sibandze on the right flank which landed on Phiwa’s feet. Dlamini let loose a scorching volley which beat Pirates goalkeeper Bhekisisa Dlamini across the poles. In the first half, there was nothing to write home as both sides did not create clear cut chances. The home side seemed to have done their homework as they defended well only to lose the ball in the final third when attacking. The visiting side had started without their key players in Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, Phiwa Dlamini and Wandile ‘Skosh’ Shabangu. However Phiwa, ‘Saviola’, ‘Skosh’ and Bongwa Matsebula were introduced in the hour mark in a bid to find an opener. Fanelo Mamba, Mpendulo Dlamini, Ndoda Mthethwa and Banele Mkhabela had to be rested respectively.

‘Saviola’ made his first attempt 25 minutes into the second half, but saw his ground shot miss the target by inches. Buffaloes development winger Mbongwa’s header shaved the woodwork in 67 minutes. Pirates midfielder Phumlani Ngwenya thought he handed his side a lead only to see his volley saved by the opposition’s goalkeeper, Nhlanhla Gwebu. Phiwa finally broke the deadlock with seven minutes to go. He volleyed from a Sibonelo Sibandze cross. Sibandze is playing in Sihlangu captain’s Linda Mkhonta’s right back position following his injury against Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The home side almost levelled matters through Jose Machado in the 85th minute. He saw his header stopped by former Sihlangu goalkeeper Gwebu.

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