BUFFS RIP WANDERERS APART

MANZINI - They are simply fallen hub giants - they were 3-1 down in just 45 minutes.

That is Manzini Wanderers who are flirting with relegation this season.  Despite having central and experienced decorated defender Mandla Palma recalled into the side just after two games since they released him, they were just outplayed and lucky it was not 4-1 in the opening half, as one goal was denied for a minor contact with the goalkeeper by Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze. Buffaloes deservedly took the lead nine minutes into the match, after national team Sihlangu Semnikati debutant against Somalia, Kwakhe Thwala’s header in goal mouth scramble was flicked into the net, over the frozen goalkeeper Bongiswa Dlamini, by defender Sandile Mhlanga he could not get to it after his touch. This was inside the opening 10 minutes where Kwakhe had seen his clear chance go wide when all expected it to hit the back of the net with the defence and goalkeeper all beaten two minutes into the match. Wanderers did get a half chance as a response to the early goal, but Fabrice Mopina was tightly marked though his effort was weak in the end to beat goalkeeper Phumlani Ngobese.

perfect

However, Fabrice made no mistake in two minutes from half-time when he tapped into an empty net a perfect low cross into his path by yet another  Sihlangu call-up debutant Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini to make it 2-1. Buffaloes had scored their second through winger Sifiso ‘General’ Mazibuko a minute after the hour-mark.  He took full advantage of a defensive error by Palma, whose clearance came off Captain and right back Mthunzi Motsa to drop in favour of Mazibuko who lobbed over the goalie who was way out of his goal. Just when many thought the match would settle for the break at 2-1, Kwakhe made it 3-1 with a wondrous corner right into the back of the net in the far post.

Back from the break, Buffaloes made it worse and it was no laughing matter anymore, some fans even walked out 10 minutes into the second half as it was now 5-1. Two goals in quick succession by Buffaloes, in the 53rd and 54th by Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze who is also a national team star before Mopina sliced a second late in the match. This did not end with just walking out but also triggered some insults to coach Velekhaya Mthethwa, who was on his third game in charge. The supporters could not bear it anymore - their team has not been competing most recently in the MTN Premier League but playing to avoid relegation and finish in the top eight, while trophies have been scarce for 17 years now. The defeat condemned them as they stood to drop further down from their ninth position should Denver Sundowns win against Vovovo. Buffaloes on the other hand remain on course as they are third with 36 points after 18 games, not far from the two teams Mbabane Highlanders and Royal Leopard.

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