‘SIKHALI’S 10TH STRIKE HANDS GREEN MAMBA VICTORY

BIG BEND – A solitary goal from prolific striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa propelled Green Mamba to a 1-0 victory over Madlenya yesterday, securing their fifth win in the MTN Premier League.

The Correctional Services team found the net through their experienced forward ‘Sikhali’ in the second half, marking his 10th goal of the season in just seven matches, which lifted them to second place in the standings. In contrast, Madlenya’s poor form continued, leaving them languishing at the bottom with only one point from six games. In the opening minutes, Green Mamba applied pressure on their opponents, searching for an early breakthrough. The visitors’ attacking midfielder, Njabulo ‘Magwegwe’ Magagula, proved to be a constant threat, weaving through the defence and causing chaos with his incisive runs. Green Mamba looked set to score in the 16th minute when their pacey winger, Kwanele Shongwe, found himself in a promising position. Shongwe aimed for goal, but his shot sailed harmlessly over the bar, much to the disappointment of the sparse Mamba supporters.

With both teams creating half-chances throughout the remainder of the first half, the game remained deadlocked at 0-0 as they headed into the half-time break, leaving everything to play for in the second half. The visitors made their first substitution in the 56th minute, bringing on Mthunzi ‘Shikisha’ Mthunzi to replace the injured Innocent ‘Makhehleni’ Dlamini. As the match progressed, Green Mamba’s relentless pressure began to pay off, with Sikhali finally breaking the deadlock in the 74th minute. Madlenya goalkeeper Mndeni Lukhele made an impressive initial save from Sikhali’s first effort, but the rebound fell perfectly for the striker, who calmly slotted home a powerful strike to give the visitors the lead.

Madlenya’s only real chance to equalise in the second half came when attacking midfielder Mfundo Simelane found himself in a promising position. However, he failed to capitalise on the opportunity, sending his shot wide of the target. This miss was met with joy by the small pocket of Green Mamba supporters in attendance, effectively sealing the victory for their side in what had been a closely contested match.

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