PHIWA OUT FOR 6 MONTHS

MBABANE – Just when they needed him the most, tragedy struck.

That is Young Buffaloes who will be without their trusted servant in striker Phiwa ‘Slwabelwabe’ Dlamini, who has been ruled out of action for six months as he is recuperating from an ankle fracture. Buffaloes left the country for Zambia yesterday where they will be facing Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup first leg match to be played on Saturday in Lusaka, Zambia. A broken ankle is also known as an ankle fracture. According to orthoinfo.aaos.org, this means that one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint are broken. A broken ankle is usually a result of a twisting injury. Dlamini is the current top striker in the country having broken Etienne Massoye 12-year-old record – in which the former Swallows striker scored 19 goals - of being the top goalscorer. He broke the record by scoring 23 goals in the past 2020/2021 season. He propelled his side to a second finish in the MTN Premier League while they were the first round champions taking home E350 000.

overcome

Buffaloes had banked in his goalscoring prowess to overcome another army side in Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday. Buffaloes’ campaign in the last CAF Confederation Cup was also disturbed by unexpected incidences. Last season, they had two of their senior players ruled out of a CAF Confederation Cup Games against now defunct South Africa’ Bidvest Wits after testing positive to COVID-19 on the day of the match. Buffaloes Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sandile Gwebu confirmed yesterday that doctors have ruled out the player until next year. Dlamini will also miss the start of the new season on October 8. “It is really not good news for the team and him. We are departing without him for Zambia and he will still miss the second leg match here at home billed for next week. The doctors indicated that it could take over six months for him to fully recover and return,” he said. The Sabelo Mnisi-led side is now expected to be led by Ndoda Mthethwa, Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba, Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze and they will be pinning their hopes on the experienced goalkeeper Nhlanhla Gwebu, defender Sihlangu Mkhwanazi, and Siboniso Sibandze, among others. Other Buffaloes players who are set to miss the trip to Zambia include; Siboniso Ngwenya, Wandile Maseko and Banele Mkhabela.

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