NJABULO DEBUT BRINGS SUMMIT JOY TO BUFFS

MHLUME – Army side Young Buffaloes have gone 362 days unbeaten, as they edged Moneni Pirates 2-1 in an MTN Premier League game played here yesterday.

The last time they lost was last February 12, when they were beaten 1-3 by defending champions Royal Leopard. They handed Pirates their second consecutive defeat after the Moneni side lost 2-0 to Mbabane Swallows last week. The army side are momentarily back at the summit, two points ahead  of Green Mamba, who can retain the top spot with a win of their own this afternoon in a must-win clash against Manzini Sea Birds.

Buffaloes and Pirates did not disappoint the close to 500 spectators with some pacey and end-to-end football. Sublime skill and passes characterised the match with Pirates enjoying more possession. However, Buffaloes always looked dangerous when they surged forward, with the likes of their new signing in goal banger Njabulo Maziya threatening.  He eventually was the difference in the match as he put the army side ahead just before the half-hour mark and later completed his brace with a second, deciding the match which had been level at 1-all after Pirates equalised before half-time.

Impressive

Levelling matters for Pirates was impressive forward Kitwe Kazadi, who was fouled inside the box as he advanced towards goal, the referee rightly pointed to the spot and the striker took it himself, made no mistake as he scored from the spot kick. However, Maziya had other plans as he was back with just 20 minutes of regulation time left on the clock and put the ball behind the net. The former Madlenya hitman who was on 11 goals took his tally to 13 after netting a brace for his new employers.

The win also took Buffaloes back to the summit, which they occupied until the end of the first round and won the E100 000 first round leaders’ incentive. Buffaloes will hope Green Mamba drops points against Sea Birds this afternoon otherwise they can be back at number two if the former win.

Man of the Match:

Njabulo Maziya (Y. Buffaloes) - The cool and calm as a cucumber striker proved to be a true predator. He scored a brace on his debut, playing and gelling with his new teammates. His strength is the positioning, he knows where to be and when yet he has a good first touch and big appetite for goals.

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