MANZINI BIRDS SEA-L IT!

MBABANE – It was a rude welcome for Manzini Wanderers supporters as they witnessed their side embarrassingly going down 3-1 to a 10-man Manzini Sea Birds in the Manzini mini-derby here yesterday.

Izinyoni Zolwandle, who finished ahead of Manzini Wanderers last season, ran riot in the second half as they scored the three goals coming from behind. It was not a big shock for Wanderers as they came to the game with 13 registered players with some unregistered players watching from the stands. Wanderers started the game on a high and they were firing from all cylinders. It came as no surprise when striker Fabrice Mopina found the back on net 15 minutes into the game. He headed in a cross from Mbekezeli Sibanda that sent the less than 100 Wanderers supporters into ecstasy. With the commanding win, Sea Birds are now at the summit of the log on better goal difference as they were the only side to score three goals in the opening fixtures while Wanderers lies at the foot of the table. Wanderers continued to dominate the game with Sea Birds content on absorbing the pressure and relying on counter attacks. It was chance after chance for Wanderers in the first half but they failed to convert and the culprits include Mopina, Mlandvo Dlamini, and Neliswa Dlamini.

Things changed in the second half and Sea Birds made it clear from the onset that they were on a mission to find the equaliser. They pressed Manzini Wanderers high and a well taken ground shot by Linda Maphalala two minutes from re-start beat Wanderers goalkeeper Mcolisi Dlamini as it went into the far corner. Sea Birds then made some changes bringing in Sandumuzi Zwane and Xolani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze for Thembumenzi Mayisela and Mkhuleko Magagula respectively. The Christian Thwala led-side continued with dominance and 15 minutes from time they took the lead through Mthokozisi Gwebu, who took a free kick outside the 18 area and it landed at the top corner. Wanderers Coach Nyanga Hlophe then made a single change bringing in Thembisa Shabangu for new signee from Tinyosi Njabulo ‘Koko’ Gama.

Sea Birds continued to enjoy far better ball possession and invaded Wanderers rear-guard. Their efforts paid off with five minutes remaining when Muzi Tsabedze finished off from a tight angle to make it 3-1. Sea Birds were then reduced to 10-man with two minutes remaining when Sinethemba Dlamini was shown a red card by referee Celumusa Siphepho for a foul play to Fabrice Mopina. It mattered not, as Sea Birds collected maximum points to jump the summit of the log standings.

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