SEA BIRDS, MONENI PIRATES SAIL INTO LAST 8

NHLANGANO – Light work!

This perfectly encapsulates the resounding victories of Manzini Sea Birds and Moneni Pirates as they confidently advance to the quarterfinals of the Ingwenyama Cup. Sea Birds brushed aside Nkwene Sundowns with a staggering 6-0 thrashing, while Pirates sailed past Rangers with a 3-0 triumph.

Joining them in the last eight are Young Buffaloes, Royal Leopard, Lozitha Spurs and Illovo, all of whom celebrated victories in their respective matches yesterday. In the first encounter, expectations were high for an upset as the Sea Birds faced Sundowns. However, the Super League side crumbled under pressure, unable to replicate their previous performance against Sidwashini United, which they won 6-2.

By halftime, Sea Birds, led by the prolific Muzi Tsabedze, had already established a 3-0 lead. Taabedze opened the scoring in the 19th minute, followed by Mthokozisi Gwebu eight minutes later, with Tsabedze completing his brace just before the break.

The second half saw Taabedze complete his hat-trick shortly after the restart, making it 4-0. Former Mbabane Highlanders Captain Philani Mkhonto made an impressive debut, scoring a stunning volley that curled into the top corner—certainly a contender for goal of the tournament! With the score at 5-0, Sea Birds continued to dominate.

Just as Sundowns sought a consolation goal, Gwebu capped off the rout with his second goal of the day, bringing the final score to 6-0. Unfortunately, defender Gcinizwi Dlamini will miss the next round due to a red card received for a reckless tackle.

In the subsequent match featuring the Pirates and Rangers, the outcome was uncertain until late in the game. Just as the match seemed destined for a goalless draw, the Caleb Ngwenya-led charges broke the stalemate with a header from Mazwi Sihlongonyane four minutes before half-time.

Phumlani Shongwe doubled the lead right on the stroke of halftime, putting Pirates firmly in control. The situation worsened for Rangers when they conceded an own goal, as Mfanasibili Kunene inadvertently deflected a cross from Vukile Khumalo into his own net, sealing a 3-0 victory for the Pirates.

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