(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Moneni Pirates…………………….1
Andile 71st
Ezulwini United…………………..0
MANZINI – Moneni Pirates handed former Sihlangu Head Coach Caleb ‘No Nonsense’ Ngwenya a rude welcome to the Ezulwini United dugout at the Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday.
The 2024 runners-up edged out the ‘Stingers’ 1-0 in a high-tempo encounter during the final match of the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup grand opening, securing a tie against the winner of Royal Leopard versus Tabankulu Celtics.
The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when second-half substitute Andile Mamba rose brilliantly to connect with Sandziso Vilakati’s corner kick, spoiling Ngwenya’s debut following his shock departure from Mbabane Swallows. The fixture also marked the first match in charge for Pirates’ new South Africa-born gaffer, Salaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala, following his unexpected switch from Mbabane Highlanders.
Both sides burst out of the blocks in search of an early opener, but it was the ‘Sea Robbers’ who carved out the clearer openings during an otherwise goalless first half.
Pirates maintained their intensity after the break and thought they had taken the lead in the 62nd minute through Sananelo Nkambule, only for referee Thulani Sibandze to rule the strike out for offside.
Ezulwini’s best chance arrived eight minutes later when youngster Boniswa Gama found Banele Nkambule with a searching pass, but his tame effort was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Bernard Ayikwe. Just three minutes later, Mamba made the breakthrough at the other end to seal the win for Pirates.
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