‘Bucs’ cruise to 4th straight win

(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Moneni Pirates ...............(1) 2
Senanelo 13th , Xolani 62nd
Sidwashini United .........(0) 0
MANZINI – While Moneni Pirates are on the crest of a wave, Sidwashini United’s relegation struggles intensified. A first-half tap-in by Senanelo Nkambule and a stunning second half strike from Xolani ‘Messi’ Ngwenya ensured that Pirates maintained pressure on MTN Premier League leaders Green Mamba, keeping a five-point gap.
The ‘Buccaneers of Moneni’ currently sit fourth with 27 points, while Green Mamba and Royal Leopard occupy the summit with 32 points.

This victory keeps Coach Caleb ‘No-Nonsense’ Ngwenya’s hopes of defending the title alive, having won it with Mbabane Swallows last season. This match marked Pirates’ fourth consecutive league win. Meanwhile, this defeat adds to the misery for Sidwashini, who remain in the relegation zone, just above bottom-dwellers Madlenya. They have accumulated only seven points from 15 league games, marking their ninth loss of the campaign and leaving them on the brink of relegation. Prior to yesterday’s match, Shiselweni Super League side Nkwene Sundowns had thrashed them 6-2, eliminating them from the Ingwenyama Cup.

The game began with both sides testing each other. However, it was not long before Ngwenya’s men seized the initiative, drawing first blood against the Mbabane-based side within the opening 15 minutes. Senanelo ‘Sena’ Nkambule opened the scoring in the 13th  minute with a simple tap-in after Mazwi Sihlongonyane’s shot was spilled by goalkeeper Muzi Mashaba.
Despite the setback, Sidwashini refused to capitulate. They maintained their morale, defended resolutely and attempted to claw their way back into the match, with Samkeliso ‘Fela’ Dlamini spearheading their attack and getting a few attempts on goal.

For their part, Pirates continued to probe, with Sihlongonyane and Bi Zahi Herve posing a constant threat. However, clear-cut chances were few and far between, and they went into the break with only a slender one-goal lead. At half-time, Sidwashini introduced Nduduzo Mkhonta in place of Lizwe Dlamini, but the substitution failed to alter the momentum, as Pirates continued to dominate and carved open the Sidwashini defence. Goalkeeper Mashaba was called into action twice within ten minutes of the restart, making excellent saves to deny both ‘Messi’ and Bi Zahi.

Sidwashini, however, failed to level the score despite a few free-kick opportunities as they searched for an equaliser. Their resistance was finally broken, two minutes after the hour mark, when ‘Messi’ doubled Pirates’ lead with a stunning strike. Just outside the box, he executed a curler that cannoned off the far post and into the net. From that point onward, Pirates were in cruise control, showcasing dazzling football and running rings around the visitors until the final whistle. Despite their dominance, they were unable to add to their tally.

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