‘Birds’ drop to sixth

 (At KaLanga Technical Centre)
Young Buffaloes..............(1) 2
‘Saviola’ 17th  (PEN), Phiwa
90+5
Ezulwini United...............(1)1
Bhekani 21st
SITEKI – A last-gasp header from veteran striker Phiwayinkhosi ‘S’lwabelwabe’ Dlamini secured a hard-fought victory for Young Buffaloes against a resilient Ezulwini United. Buffaloes took an early lead from the penalty spot, with Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze converting in the 17th minute during the feisty MTN Premier League clash played at KaLanga Technical Centre outside Siteki yesterday. However, United levelled the score just four minutes later through Bhekani Mthembu.

This hard-fought win lifted Dominic Kunene’s men one place up the MTN Premier League table, moving from sixth to fifth and leapfrogging defending champions Mbabane Swallows.
Buffaloes now sit on 26 points, recovering from last week’s 1-0 upset against Nsingizini Hotspurs. Meanwhile, the ‘Birds’ have 25 points, they still face the threat of a poor league run after five successful seasons. The city giants have consistently finished on the podium since the 2019/20 season. Buffaloes are now just six points off the top spot after this catch-up fixture, which had been postponed twice due to inclement weather.

Conversely, Musa Manyatsi’s troops continue to languish near the bottom of the table with 15 points from 14 games. Buffaloes started the match strongly, dominating possession, while United were without their veteran defender and Captain, Mandla Palma. Returning Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini donned the captain’s armband, making his first appearance after recently leaving Mbabane Highlanders. In the 17th minute, Helnock Mukaka fouled ‘Saviola’ inside the box, prompting referee Thembinkosi ‘Dovos’ Dlamini to award the 2019/20 champions a penalty.

‘Saviola’ stepped up and sent goalkeeper Siyabonga Magagula the wrong way to break the deadlock. Yet, just four minutes later, Buffaloes conceded a cheap corner, which the ‘Stingers’ capitalised on to equalise. Mthembu, December’s finest player, reacted quickest in a goalmouth scramble following a well-timed cross from Banele Nkambule. The two sides battled it out until half-time, with Buffaloes pushing hard to regain their lead but to no avail. After the break, Buffaloes came out guns blazing, putting the visitors under immense pressure.
However, United’s defence proved a tough nut to crack, holding firm and frustrating the Buffaloes’ attack. As hopes of a win began to fade, ‘S’lwabelwabe’ rose to the occasion, heading his team into the lead. He met ‘Saviola’s cross from the right flank, leaving Magagula with no chance and sparking wild celebrations during ‘Dovos’s five minutes of added time.

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