(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Celtics . . . . . . . . . . (0) 0
Moneni . . . . . . . . . . (0) 2
Biko 51st, 90+2nd
MANZINI — Two unanswered goals secured Moneni Pirates a semi-final spot in Eswatini’s pre-season tournament following a victory over Celtics today.
The result came in a pulsating 8Bet Trade Fair Cup quarter-final clash, staged under overcast skies at the Mavuso Sports Centre on Thursday night before a sizeable crowd. Among the notable figures present were the Minister for Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini; Sports Portfolio Committee Chairman, Sifiso ‘Haizo’ Shabalala; Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darius Dlomo; Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane; and Vice President Steve Horton, alongside several delegates.
Following their victory, Moneni Pirates await the winner of the fixture between Manzini Sea Birds and CAF envoys Green Mamba, who play tomorrow at the same venue at 7pm. By reaching the semi-finals, Moneni are guaranteed at least E45 000. Reaching the final would secure the club over E300 000, while the overall winners will take home E660 000. The Sea Robbers last reached the final of this competition in 2024, when they fell to eventual champions Young Buffaloes.
Seloatse ‘Sly’ Mosala’s side pressed early when Ncomo Gina curled in a corner 15 minutes into play, but goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Mathe reacted swiftly to save. Three minutes later, former Young Buffaloes midfielder Phumlani ‘Bin’ Shongwe, now featuring for Celtics, was closed down effectively by the Moneni backline. At the half-hour mark, Moneni’s pacey winger, Biko Sibandze, attempted an overhead kick just under Mathe’s crossbar, only for Fred Asante to clear off the line.
At the other end, Senzo Mayeyane combined well with Phiwokuhle ‘Skosh’ Shabangu. However, they struggled to breach Bernard Ayikwei’s penalty area, with Nkhosinathi ‘Stina’ Shongwe clearing the danger. Senanelo ‘Juju’ Nkambule later tried his luck with a cheeky effort that ultimately led to nothing. The two sides went into the break deadlocked at 0–0 when referee Njabulo Siphepho sounded the half-time whistle.
Early in the second half, Mathe almost handed Celtics a setback when Nkambule crossed from the flank to find Mthokozisi ‘General’ Hlatshwako in a promising position. However, the shot-stopper recovered quickly to gather the ball. Moneni’s pressure paid off six minutes into the second period, as Sibandze finished off a well-placed pass from Sibonelo ‘Mzala’ Vilakati.
Celtics pushed for a route back, with Shabangu attempting an equaliser less than 10 minutes later following a pass from Njabulo Maziya, but Ayikwei held firm in goal. Celtics were reduced to 10 men with five minutes of regulation time remaining after a defender was shown a straight red card for a reckless tackle under pressure.
With Celtics throwing everyone forward in search of an elusive equaliser, Moneni caught them on the counter in stoppage time to win a penalty. Sibandze stepped up and confidently converted from the spot to seal his brace. Moneni’s defence stood resolute in the closing seconds as Mosala and his side celebrated a 2–0 victory when Siphepho blew the final whistle. They became the second side coached by a South African coach to reach the 2026 semi-finals after Floyd Mogale led Mbabane Highlanders thrashed neighbours Mbabane Swallows 4-0.
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