‘BUFFS’ FOUR-CE RANGERS OUT

MANZINI – Army side Young Buffaloes made light work of Rangers to cruise into the final of the E2 million 8Bet-sponsored Trade Fair Cup yesterday.

Rangers goalkeeper Sidumo Vilakati was nothing but a spectator as forward Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze opened the floodgates with a volley from a Sifiso Mazibuko clean pass nine minutes into the game. With the goal, Gamedze has matched Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza’s tally of three in this tournament. It is not possible for Mabuza to add to his tally following Sea Birds’ elimination.

Two minutes later, Mancoba Mavimbela stretched the lead after Ali Matse’s corner landed on his foot, finding him in good position inside the 18-yard. Drama ensued as Rangers thought they had a throw-in while the referee opted otherwise. This resulted in a Rangers technical bench member being sent off for his reaction to the same. Rangers were trailing 0-2 when referee Celumusa Siphepho signalled for a breather. Upon resumption of play, Rangers pulled one back after Hleliso Gamedze shook the defence. He had met Nduduzo ‘Bhayi’ Mvakali’s corner before taking Amathole’zinyathi’s defence for a joy ride to fire home in the 53rd minute.

Seeing the opponents waking up from their slumber, Mavimbela completed his brace with a blazing hot volley from close range leaving a helpless Vilakati looking dejected six minutes later. Buffaloes’ goalkeeper Nxumalo, made a crucial save as Mvakali came one-on-one with a beautiful shot in the 68th minute.  Forward Phiwayinkosi ‘Slwabelwabe’ Dlamini who came in the place of Sifiso Mazibuko hit the last nail in the coffin, after a Bonginkhosi Sifundza’s excellent pass four minutes from time. Dlamini now has two goals in the tournament.

Meanwhile, the top goalscorer is set to walk away with E6 000 as per the tournament rules. Buffaloes will collide with Moneni Pirates who won 2-1 in a simultaneous fixture. The finals are billed for today at 4pm. The champions of this tournament were earlier said to earn a mouth-watering package of E600 000 with runners-up guaranteed E300 000. Buffaloes last won a trophy with the Ingwenyama Cup sponsored by the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund back in 2019. They won by the same scoreline against Mbabane Highlanders.

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