‘SLWABELWABE’ EARNS ‘BUFFS’ 1ST LEAGUE WIN

(At KaLanga Technical Centre)
Y. Buffaloes..........1
‘Slwabelwabe’ 59th  
M. Sea Birds.........0

SITEKI – Second-half substitute and veteran striker, Phiwayinkhosi ‘Slwabelwale’ Dlamini, earned Young Buffaloes their first win in the season, with a 1-0 slender triumph over Manzini Sea Birds in a nail-biting encounter played here yesterday.

‘Slwabelwabe’ came off the bench in the 52nd minute and made an immediate impact, heading his side into the lead just seven minutes later. Both teams created numerous opportunities, but it was the army side that capitalised when it mattered most. This victory saw the Dominic Kunene charges ascend from fifth place to position three, tied on points with fellow security forces clubs, Royal Leopard and Green Mamba, who are at the summit.

Meanwhile, the Friday Myeni charges slipped down the ladder from second place following the defeat, after their good start last week. Izinyoni Zolwandle suffered a further setback towards the end of the game, when Sibusiso Dlamini was sent off for repeated rough tackles on the skilful and pacey Bongwa Matsebula. The match began with a burst of energy, igniting the wet pitch despite the freezing weather conditions. The first chance of the game came in the 33rd minute as Mthokozisi Gwebu’s attempt struck the woodwork from a free-kick at the edge of the box, only to be cleared away. However, Linda Maphalala nearly snatched the lead in the referee’s additional time. Nothing could separate the sides at half-time.

Lizwe Zwane thought he had broken the deadlock two minutes after the restart, but was flagged for offside after beating Nxumalo between the sticks. In the 56th minute, Buffaloes cleared ‘Suarez’s effort after a dramatic attack from Sea Birds. Three minutes later, Slwabelwabe nodded home a Siboniso Sibandze’s cross to open his account and score Buffaloes. Sea Birds had a chance in referee Thembinkosi Gamedze’s additional time to salvage a point, but no one could finish off Muzi Tsabedze’s sitter between Saurez and Kibonge, leaving the game to end unfavourably for them.

Man of the Match:
Ali Matse (Buffaloes): He initiated mist attacks and remained calm during the first half as they were under siege. He delivered crosses for Slwabelwabe, providing more goal-scoring options and frustrating the opponents.

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