RELEGATION LOOMS FOR WANDERERS

MANZINI – It never rains but pours for Manzini Wanderers as they suffered a seventh MTN Premier League defeat of the season yesterday.

It was striker Sibonelo Simelane’s 61st minute strike that sunk the faltering hub giants, spelling doom for the maroon and white side, currently engulfed in financial challenges as they also face relegation fears. Pirates looked to attack Wanderers’ defence with pace from the first minute, speedsters Sibonelo Malinga and Siphosethu ‘Mjovo’ Mlotsa were a menace to the visitors’ slow backline.

The former beat his marker before playing a through pass for ‘Mjovo’ who outpaced his rival, but goalkeeper Bongiswa Dlamini came out and snatched the ball away. The Weslians managed to weather the early storm and began launching attacks through the wings which led to Wanderers which saw them denied by the woodwork. This was when Bongumenzi Dlamini’s attempt came after a beautiful pass from Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule. Both teams created chances but were too cautious at the back.

However, there were no clear cut chances and both teams went to the break without goals. Pirates were the better side after the restart as they controlled the match and pushed for a goal. They kept coming close until Malinga located the back of the net a minute after the hour mark. The goal turned to be Pirates joy and sorrow for Wanderers as the hub derby loss meant the latter had now lost seven times in nine games. The result meant that Wanderers returned to the basement with just four points out of a possible 27.

This statistic is not good for a big team that also struggled last season but are now looking even worse with just four matches before the first round ends. This is also means they will be fighting relegation in the second round and they also need to turn the corner real quickly especially because the rookies teams are seemingly here for business, particularly Nsingizini Hotspurs and Madlenya who are enjoying life in the elite league.

It could have been worse against Pirates who never stopped searching for more goals with Wanderers having a lively stint in the dying minutes but could not find the equaliser. Interestingly, Wanderers play the giant killing Nsingizini next in a game that they find themselves underdogs to the rookies. The hub side needs to come out of the poor form soonest by getting people to finance the team and look after the players’ welfare. The team has not been able to pay salaries for at least two months and December will be the third month and players always expect something to also enjoy the festive holidays with their families.

Man of the Match:

Siphosethu ‘Mjovo’ Mlotsa (Moneni Pirates) – His dribbling skills and good first touch saw him causing all sorts of trouble for Wanderers as he made darting runs into the box consistently. He did not score but was influential.

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