Pirates get their revenge against Sundowns

(At Mavuso Sports Centre)

Manzini Sundowns……….(1) 1

Mopina 2’ (P)

Moneni Pirates…………….(1) 3

Khumalo 32’ (P), 90+9’ (P), Masika 87’

MANZINI – Last season’s runners-up, Moneni Pirates, booked their place in the Ingwenyama Cup Last 16 yesterday.

It was a sweet revenge for the ‘Moneni Buccaneers’ following a clinical 3-1 victory over rivals Manzini Sundowns.

Under the sweltering skies of the Mavuso Sports Centre, the ‘Sea Robbers’ overcame an early scare to dominate a pulsating Manzini derby. With a mouth-watering E5 million sponsorship package from the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) on the line, and a cool E1.45 million awaiting the eventual champions, the stakes could not have been higher for this grand opening clash.

The match, played before a sizeable crowd including ministers, saw Pirates banish the ghosts of the 2016/17 season, when Sundowns had previously knocked them out at the quarter-final stage.

For Moneni’s Coach, Mathews ‘Chaka Chaka’ Mandlazi, it was a dream debut. His charges were under immense pressure to maintain the standard set by their previous finals appearance, and despite a shaky start, they delivered.

Sundowns took the lead just two minutes in, when Mthokozisi ‘General’ Hlatshwako committed a reckless foul on Alakhe Mtsetfwa inside the area. Captain Fabrice Mopina stepped up, coolly slotting home to leave Pirates goalkeeper Qiniso Nyawo rooted to the spot.

Pirates responded with urgency. While Sundowns’ goalkeeper Shelton Florinda initially denied Hlatshwako and Hassan Balogun, the pressure eventually told. In the 32^nd minute, parity was restored; Vukile Khumalo showed nerves of steel to convert a spot-kick of his own.

The half-time interval provided a cultural spectacle, with the Ingata and Imbali groups performing sibhaca and ingadla routines, but the second half was defined by drama and grit.

A sickening collision between Florinda and teammate Sandziso Hlongwane left both players requiring treatment. While Hlongwane was forced off for Mxondisi Sikhondze, a bandaged Florinda soldiered on, later making a world-class save to deny Sibonelo ‘Mzala’ Vilakati in the 75^th minute.

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