‘Buffs’ seize top spot as Nsingizini stumble

(At Mayaluka Stadium)

Buffaloes ……………………….1

Owa 65^th

Malanti Chiefs ………………0

BIG BEND – This was not a surge; it was a climb, slow, deliberate and finally complete.

This was the movement of Young Buffaloes, who have eventually reached the summit of the MTN Premier League standings, sitting level on 32 points with Nsingizini Hotspurs but taking top spot via head-to-head advantage. The army side sealed their ascent with a narrow but telling 1–0 victory over Malanti Chiefs at Mayaluka Stadium yesterday.

The decisive goal arrived in the 65^th minute from the boot of December Player of the Month, Bongwa Matsebula. It was a moment of calm under immense pressure, underlining a season that is steadily turning in Buffaloes’ favour.

Earlier in the day, the door had been left ajar. Nsingizini Hotspurs were held to a goalless draw by newcomers Tabankulu Celtics at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, and Buffaloes required no second invitation to seize the lead.

Their journey to the peak has been forged in recovery rather than outright dominance. The season began awkwardly, including a 1–0 defeat to Malanti Chiefs in the reverse fixture on October 26, 2025. Further losses to Rangers, Mbabane Highlanders and Ezulwini United initially cast Buffaloes as outsiders.

However, under the stewardship of Dominic Kunene, the charge has gathered serious momentum. Since their last defeat – a 2–1 loss to Highlanders on December 7, 2025 – Buffaloes have gone seven matches unbeaten, trading early frailty for resilience and belief.

History has long favoured the men in black and gold. In 17 meetings since 2013, Buffaloes have now claimed 13 victories to Malanti’s three, with only one draw between them. For Malanti, the form book makes for grim reading; they have now gone five matches without a win, with their last success coming in mid-December.

The contest itself was steeped in tension long before the deadlock was broken. Buffaloes should have led within the opening 10 minutes, but an unmarked Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze failed to convert from close range.

Malanti felt aggrieved in the 18^th minute when Daniel Appiah was felled inside the box, but referee Senzo Mbuyisa waved play on, much to the fury of the Chiefs bench.

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