IN ONE-SIDED ‘Y’ELLO’ CLASH: ‘SIKHALI’ FIRES 5-STAR MAMBA TOP

BUHLENI – A  clinical Sabelo ‘Sikhali’  Ndzinisa’s  hat-trick took Green Mamba to the summit of the MTN Premier League standings, as they dismantled Ezulwini United in a one-sided game played here yesterday.

In a stunning display of his sublime talent, ‘Sikhali’ , who had been controversially omitted from Sihlangu by Coach Zdravko Logarusic, stormed the pitch like a man possessed, leaving a trail of impressive goals in his wake. The league’s top marksman netted the first hat-trick of the season, bringing his tally to seven goals in four games. Adding to the tally were attacking midfielders Njabulo ‘Mazza’ Tfwala and Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo, who each contributed a goal. The victory saw ‘Inyoka Eluhlazane’ claiming the summit from Mbabane Swallows with 10 points, while Ezulwini United remained in the ninth position with four points. Swallows, however, have a chance to reclaim the top spot, as they have a date with Sidwashini United at the Mavuso Sports Centre today.

The match was delayed by 15 minutes, reportedly due to car issues experienced by two match officials on their way to Mkhuzweni. Despite this setback, both sides started brightly, testing each other’s defences. Green Mamba’s Njabulo Ndlovu got injured, which required him to be substituted for Khethukuhle Mkhontfo in the 11th minute. It was Sikhali, who opened the floodgates, when the game was eight minutes old. He rose highest to nod home his fifth goal of the season from a delightful cross delivered by Mthunzi Mkhontfo.

The Vusisizwe Mahlalela side were punished again in the 22nd minute, after defender Mthobisi Zwane’s lapse in defence from a throw-in allowed Mthunzi Mkhontfo to roll the ball to Njabulo Tfwala, who unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box to extend the lead. Tfwala nearly added to their lead in the 30th minute when he was sent through on goal by a long ball from Sibongakonkhe Silenge, but the pacey attacking winger squandered the opportunity.Meanwhile, Ezulwini United struggled to create chances in the first half, with the Green Mamba defence proving to be a tough nut to crack. The second-half kicked off with the ‘Stingers’ coach introducing Andile Mamba for Bandile Zwane.

However, this change failed to alter the course of the game as Green Mamba struck again 10 minutes later as Mthunzi Mkhontfo tapped in from a cross by Mcolisi ‘Marcelo’ Manana to make it 3-0. At the hour mark, ‘Sikhali’ sealed his brace, capitalising on a rebound from Siyabonga Magagula to make it 4-0.  The correctional services side Coach, Ernest Mavuso, introduced two substitutes in Nyasha Chintuli and Kwenzokuhle Khumalo, replacing Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo and Mbutfo Dlamini.

With only 16 minutes remaining on the clock, Ezulwini United’s defender Mthobisi Zwane was shown a straight red card by referee Wandile Mamba for a reckless challenge on substitute Wandile Dlamini. The horrific tackle warranted immediate medical attention and the player was stretchered off the pitch by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).  The 89th minute saw Ndzinisa claiming a hat-trick in spectacular fashion, burying the ball into the roof of the net from a set piece with a vicious strike. The Green Mamba technical bench erupted in celebration, revelling in the dominant display their team had put on for the day.

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