‘Big 3’ Stumble

(At Mavuso Sports Centre)

Manzini Wanderers ……(0)1

Silima 84^th

T. Celtics……….(1)4

Zweli 6^th, Hector 56^th, Malangeni 66^th, 85^th

MANZINI – Manzini Wanderers’ turbulent campaign plunged deeper into crisis after they were thumped 4-1 by newly-promoted Tabankulu Celtics.

The green and white ensemble restored their giant-slaying reputation with a ruthless display at a packed Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday.

Wanderers actually reached the interval trailing 0-1 and showing flashes of promise, carving out chances that begged for a composed finish.

But whatever hope they carried into the second half evaporated almost immediately as Celtics shifted gears, scoring three more goals and punishing Wanderers’ defensive lapses with ice-cold precision.

The result puts the newcomers right back to winning ways following their recent 1-0 setback against Young Buffaloes.

Celtics have already cemented their status as this season’s dark horses, having previously dismantled league champions Nsingizini Hotspurs and Royal Leopard 2-0 and 3-0 respectively. This latest victory—three wins in four—launches them back into the top five on 12 points. In stark contrast, Wanderers remain second from bottom with five points, having conceded 10 goals in four matches, their form showing one win, one draw and two defeats in that stretch.

This is the second time in three weeks that Wanderers have been battered by a heavy scoreline, following a 4-0 mauling in the Manzini derby against Sea Birds.

Their struggles have not been helped by the absence of Captain Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule, still out injured. Celtics, meanwhile, were without Sandile Maseko, who is reportedly attending to personal matters.

The afternoon was also overshadowed by unsavoury scenes off the pitch. A brief scuffle broke out in the tunnel involving officials but was quickly defused. Later, an over-excited supporter approaching the Wanderers bench triggered another confrontation, with police stepping in to restore order.

Celtics struck early, taking the lead inside six minutes when a sharp move down the right ended with a low delivery that Zweli Sihlongonyane calmly tapped home after drifting unmarked into the box. Wanderers responded positively, and they almost levelled when Sikhumbuzo Mazibuko unleashed a thunderous drive that was brilliantly turned away by goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Mathe. Minutes later, Sibusiso Manana forced Mathe into another stellar save with a powerful low strike, signalling Wanderers’ growing intent.

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