MANZINI – Young Buffaloes’ charge towards the MTN Premier League summit suffered a devastating blow yesterday afternoon.
A stoppage-time sucker punch from Moneni Pirates secured a 1-0 victory for the ‘Sea Robbers’ in a pulsating encounter at Mavuso Sports Centre.
The army side entered the fray knowing that three points would catapult them to the top of the table, courtesy of a superior head-to-head record over overnight leaders Nsingizini Hotspurs.
However, history and form collided in unexpected fashion; while Buffaloes had not lost to Pirates since 2021, they ran into a Moneni side transformed under the unbeaten tenure of Coach Mathews ‘Chaka Chaka’ Mandlazi.
The opening exchanges were a tactical chess match. Pirates nearly drew first blood in the 15th minute when a Sibonelo Vilakati corner caused pandemonium in the Buffaloes box, forcing a desperate goal-line clearance. Buffaloes responded with the firepower that has defined their season. Owa Matsebula forced a magnificent save from the returning Bernard Ayikwei, back in the Pirates starting XI after a lengthy injury lay-off, with a venomous half-volley. Njabulo Maziya could only fire the rebound over the bar, much to the relief of the Pirates faithful.
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