KNIFE-EDGE!

NHLANGANO – Champagne is back in the fridge for Green Mamba.

Young Buffaloes beat the Correctional Services side by a solitary goal to cut the lead at the top to just one point, with two games to spare. Buffaloes marksman Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze was the match winner before team President and Army Commander Lieutenant Mashikilisane Fakudze, after tapping in a Njabulo Maziya rebound to revive the army side’s chances of winning the league. This transpired during the replay of the MTN Premier League round 24 fixture at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium in Nhlangano.

Shy

It remains a three-horse race, with third-placed Swallows also in the picture, as they are just four points shy of the top spot. The much needed win did not only boost the army side’s chances of winning the league, but it just ensured  they maintained their dominance over Ernest Mavuso’s troops.  In the past two seasons, Green Mamba have never beaten the army side; the last time Mamba tasted victory in this fixture was in 2019, when they won 1-0. The loss for the Mavuso’s charges meant they have to win their two remaining games. This weekend they play Denver Sundowns who beat them 2-1 in the reverse fixture and their last league fixture will be against  hoodoo side Royal Leopard. Buffaloes, on the other hand, will pray that they win their next last two fixtures against Madlenya and Tambankulu Callies and hope Green Mamba draw one of their remaining games. For Swallows, it is a case of a win and prayer. Winning their next games against Leopard and Manzini Sea Birds will not be enough if Buffaloes beat Madlenya  this weekend.  Worth noting is that Army Commander Fakudze witnessed his side record their 15th victory of the season.

Match

Buffaloes are yet to lose a match in all their 24 games this season.  Interestingly, despite Green Mamba losing the vital points, they dominated the game, especially in the first stanza, recording over five shots on targets while Buffaloes were only man-marking almost the entire first half. However, after the army commander entered the stadium just few minutes into the second half, Buffaloes started to click and dominated possession and had half chances. The real chance came in the five minutes after the hour mark when Njabulo Maziya  shook off one defender on the right flank and hurled a powerful shot that was parried into play by goalkeeper Mxolisi Gama and landed on ‘Saviola’s feet,who tapped into the empty net much to provoke celebrations from the army commander and a throngs of few Buffaloes fans.

Time waits for no man. Before you could know it, there were few minutes left before the final whistle as the visitors tried to force an equaliser. Despite eight minutes of added time, which seemed to irk Buffaloes officials and fans alike, referee Letticia Viana carried on to allow play. The real chance for Green Mamba was a header by Khethokuhle Mkhontfo  but goalkeeper Mlungisi Nxumalo saved it with ease.

Ticking

The clock was ticking and coach Mavuso’s face had sadness and frustration written all over his face; he wished they could turn back the hands of time to the last weekend 1-all match, which was called off due to thunderstorms. It was not be as referee Viana blew the final whistle much to the disappointment of the over 400 Green Mamba fans.

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