PIRATES EDGE SEA BIRDS IN THRILLER, NET E225K

MANZINI – Fast-improving Manzini Sea Birds came agonisingly close to making history, but were ultimately undone by Moneni Pirates in a pulsating Ingwenyama Cup quarter-final clash, last night. In a match packed with drama, goals and a nerve-wrecking penalty shootout, Pirates triumphed 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, booking their spot in the semi-finals. They are guaranteed a lucrative E225 000 prize.

This was a classic derby match-up with everything to play for and the atmosphere at the stadium was electric. Sea Birds, who had never reached the semi-finals of this competition, were looking to overturn their recent poor record against their neighbours, having lost 3-1 in their last league meeting on November 30, 2024. Meanwhile, Moneni Pirates, reeling from a humiliating 0-5 loss to Royal Leopard in their previous league outing, were desperate to bounce back and they brought back key players Mazwi Sihlongonyane and veteran Vukile Khumalo into the starting XI.

Sea Birds, led by their inspiring trio of Muzi Tsabedze, Mthokosizi Gwebu and Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza, started brightly and showed their intent early on. However, Pirates had the first big chance of the game when their Nigerian import, Abdulmajid Aminu, forced a stunning point-blank save from Sea Birds’ goalkeeper Lindani Mtsetfwa inside the opening 10 minutes. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute and it was Sea Birds who struck first. A pin-point cross from Mthokosizi Gwebu found ‘Suarez’ Mabuza, whose bullet header left the Pirates goalkeeper with no chance. The goal ignited the Sea Birds supporters, who roared their team on as they took a 1-0 lead into the break.

Pirates, however, came out in the second half with renewed determination and began to pile on the pressure. Talented forward Senanelo Nkambule, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, sprung to life and produced a moment of magic to level the score. In the 60th minute, Nkambule’s stunning overhead kick from the edge of the box flew into the top corner, leaving everyone in awe. It was a strike worthy of being labelled a ‘goal of the tournament’ contender. The equaliser knocked the wind out of the Sea Birds’ sails, and their woes were compounded when the influential Gwebu was forced off with an injury.

Despite making tactical changes, including bringing on the experienced Sandumuzi Zwane, Sea Birds struggled to regain their first-half dominance. Pirates also introduced midfield grafter Mthokosizi ‘General’ Hlatshwako to solidify their control. Neither side could find a winner in regulation time as the match went to penalties. The shootout was as tense as the match itself, with both teams missing two penalties each. In the end, it was Pirates’ veteran defender Vukile Khumalo who held his nerve to convert the decisive spot-kick, securing a dramatic 4-2 victory.

For Sea Birds, it was heartbreak. They had come tantalisingly close to earning their maiden semi-final berth, but were left to rue missed opportunities. They will take home E75 000 for reaching the quarter-finals, but their valiant effort will long be remembered. As for Moneni Pirates, the victory keeps their dream of winning the Ingwenyama Cup alive, and they will look to carry this momentum into the semi-finals.

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