‘BUFFS’ CHARGE INTO TOP FOUR

SITEKI – Young Buffaloes have reclaimed a place in the top four of the MTN Premier League after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Illovo in a game played at KaLanga Technical Centre yesterday.  

The game began at a blistering pace, with Buffaloes pressing high and dominating possession. However, it was Illovo who struck first. In the 13th minute, Mphumuzo Sangweni capitalised on a lapse in concentration from Buffaloes defence to break the deadlock.

A quick throw-in from Illovo caught the Buffaloes defence off guard and Sangweni, assisted by Gcina Matsebula, fired the ball past goalkeeper Mlungisi Nxumalo. It was a goal against the run of play, but Buffaloes quickly sought a response. In the 27th minute, Mlandvo Shongwe saw his goalward shot brilliantly saved by Illovo goalkeeper Simiso Mabuza, who dived to his right to deny Shongwe what looked like a certain goal from outside the box.

Dramatic

The match then took a dramatic turn. In the 40th minute, Buffaloes’ persistence paid off when Shongwe made amends for his earlier miss. A well-placed shot from outside the area beat Mabuza, levelling the score at 1-1 just before half-time.

After the break, it did not take long for Buffaloes to take the lead. Just five minutes into the second half, Phiwa ‘Slwabelwabe’ Dlamini made a spectacular run before coolly slotting the ball into the net to give Buffaloes a 2-1 lead.
Illovo’s woes deepened when Sibusiso Gamedze was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Buffaloes’ Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze.  The Lubombo-based side was now down to 10 men. Buffaloes then made tactical substitutions to strengthen their grip on the game. Mlandvo Shongwe was replaced by Ali Matse, while the experienced Leon Manyisa made way for Captain Sihlangu Mkhwanazi.

Despite being a man down, Illovo continued to battle, creating a few half-chances, but they failed to capitalise. Their situation worsened when Sabelo ‘Zamokuhle’ Dlamini was also shown a red card for a foul on Buffaloes’ Bongwa Matsebula.

With just nine players on the field, Illovo’s hopes of a comeback faded.  The final whistle blew with the score at 2-1, as Young Buffaloes took all three points and a crucial leap into the top four. The victory pushes them ahead of Mbabane Swallows.

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