‘WESLIANS’ ESCAPE CHOP!

MANZINI - Hub giants Manzini Wanderers have ended Tambankulu Callies’ hopes of preserving their Premier League status.

This was after they beat the Tambankulu-based side 2-1 in week 24 of the MTN Premier League. It was a Wanderers’ Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule’s stoppage time beautifully taken free kick which ensured that Callies were relegated from the elite league with two games to spare. Even if Callies win their last remaining games, they will accumulate 21 points and finish in the drop zone behind Wanderers and Tambuti. For Wanderers, it was a much needed relief after flirting with the chop for the better part of the season. After Sunday’s win, the ‘Weslians’ jumped to 24 points, while Tambuti’s 2-0 win over Manzini Sea Birds saw them accumulating 22.

Danger

At some point the Weslians were the ones in danger of being relegated as at half-time, the Sitsembiso ‘Ngudze’ Mamba-owned side were leading 1-0 through a goal by  Darly Mouandza scored four minutes after the half hour mark. However, Callies dug their own hole after they scored an own goal just 10 minutes before full-time. It was defender Khulekani Manana who tried to clear the ball with a header but ended up beating his own goalkeeper, Sicelo Dlamini. The decisive goal came from Wanderers Captain Nkambule who drove a powerful free kick past the goalkeeper four minutes into added time to attract wild celebrations from the maroon and white’s loyalists.

This means the ‘Weslians’ and Tambuti are safe because only two teams are relegated in the elite league. Going to the National First Division are Callies and Seven Dreams who are 13th and 14th, respectively. Callies are left with Seven Dreams and Young Buffaloes, while the Mahlanya-based side will play Moneni Pirates before they exit the big stage. Callies Director Mamba said they would bounce back next season. “We have accepted that we are going down, but we will bounce back next season.

Efforts

“What really watered down our efforts was that we heard Tambuti were leading against Sea Birds, so it was out to win this game because Wanderers would get a point from their last remaining games,” said Mamba. Wanderers will play Moneni Pirates in week 25 before ending the season with Mbabane Highlanders. He said things like these happened in football and they needed to go back to the drawing board. Meanwhile, Manzini Wanderers Coach Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe, said he was happy with the great comeback from his boys. “I would not call myself a Messiah but I am happy with today’s performance. We must fight until the end of the season,” said Hlophe.

Excited

Meanwhile, ‘Mlaba’ said he was excited to earn his team the maximum points. “It was my first goal at Wanderers and it counted the most. That goal really made me feel good and the impact I have at the team. I will not take the glory; it was teamwork more than anything,” he said. While it was Seven Dreams’ debut season, this was Callies’ second campaign. In the 2021/22 season Callies ended on position five after having a punch above their weight.

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