‘BUFFS’ CASH OUT E600K

Buffaloes .......................(0)2
‘Saviola’ (73rd , 78th  (PEN)
Pirates ..........................(0)0
MANZINI – Army side Young Buffaloes were forced to dig into their reserves of courage to become inaugural champions of the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup. In a colourful grand finale played before guests led by Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, his Commerce, Industry and Trade counterpart Manqoba Khumalo and a roaring crowd of over 4 000; former Sihlangu marksman Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze’s second half brace proved to be the difference in the tightly-contested clash.

statement

Under returning former Sihlangu Coach Dominic Kunene, Buffaloes made a bold statement ahead of the new season, walking away with the E600 000 first prize. In a game, which was more than a test of tactical skill; Pirates were eventually shaken off by the opponents who looked fresher and boasted depth. While their dream of winning the title for the first time since beating Green Mamba by 1-0 in the decider of 1994 was shattered; the E300 000 runner-up prize was enough consolation.Coach Kunene had done his homework. His troops were compact and restricted the opposition from stringing their usual neat and penetrative passes.

The hosts would have gone a goal up inside 20 minutes, but Pirates Skipper Menzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane cleared from the goalline a ‘Saviola’ snapshot.Chances were few and far between during the opening period. The sides could not be separated when Eswatini international referee Thulani Sibandze signalled for the breather. On resumption of play, ‘Magawugawu’, who was named the best player in the tournament, was again called to action to wipe away from the goalline another ‘Saviola’ audacious attempt in the box in the 47th minute.

shook

Against the run of play, Pirates attacker Mazwi Sihlongonyane shook the defence, only to balloon his effort over the cross-bar from close range, after the hour mark. Buffaloes added more firepower, following the introduction of veteran forward Phiwa ‘Slwabelwabe’ Dlamini. The security forces side could not be kept out for too long, as ‘Saviola’ eventually found the breakthrough. Pirates stuttered in clearing their lines and the sharpshooter fired home with aplomb from close range to break the deadlock in the 73rd  minute. The goal sucked the energy out of the visitors.

Five minutes later, the away side suffered another setback, as Nkosinathi Shongwe was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box while under pressure from ‘Slwabelwabe’. ‘Saviola’ stepped up to convert the resultant spot kick to seal the ‘Golden Boot’ award with five goals. That proved to be a decisive punch, as Pirates chased the game until the end.
In the end, it proved to be a unique tournament that will be etched in the memories of spectators for decades. While the ‘Big Three’ could not go beyond the quarter-finals, there were more surprises in the final. The trophy was delivered right in the middle of the pitch by a helicopter before it was paraded by the gorgeous Miss Eswatini contestants alongside the police band.

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