Four-midable ‘Buffs’ Ladies champs again

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

Buffaloes ………….(2)4

Samkelisiwe 18^th+76^th, Sikhanyiso 43^rd, Sisanda 48^th

Wanderers ……….(0)0

LOBAMBA– Samkelisiwe Malinga struck twice as Young Buffaloes Ladies thrashed Manzini Wanderers 4-0 to retain the Ingwenyama Women’s Cup. 

Referee Jabulile ‘Ceejay’ Mgabhi oversaw proceedings as two-time finalists Buffaloes met first-time finalists Wanderers in the second edition of the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund-sponsored showpiece. Under clear skies at Somhlolo National Stadium, thousands in replicas and traditional regalia watched the defending champions assert early dominance. 

Thulisile Thring tested Wanderers keeper Temahlubi Dlamini inside five minutes, but it was Malinga who broke the deadlock in the 18^th minute, turning in Thring’s neat pass from close range. Wanderers Captain Bethusile Mathonsi replied with a free-kick straight at Gcinile Dlamini. 

Buffaloes doubled their lead two minutes before the break. Sikhanyiso Magagula finished clinically after Wanderers were disrupted by Nkosephayo Nkambule’s injury. At 2-0, referee Mgabhi signalled for halftime. 

Three minutes after the restart, Sisanda Ndzinisa drilled in a third from the right to all but end the contest. Bongani Makhukhula’s side sought a consolation through substitute Ngimphiwe Cele, but Badelise Ngozo marshalled a resolute Buffaloes backline. 

Malinga sealed her brace in the 76^th minute, again combining with Thring after Simile Marks’ incisive ball. Wanderers pushed forward late on, yet Fisiwe Hlophe’s troops held firm. 

The 4-0 win delivered Buffaloes a second straight title and they walked away with E20 000 prize money. Wanderers took E10 000 as runners-up. 

*Full article available on Pressreader*