(At Nsukuwansuku Stadium)
Manzini Sea Birds .......(0) 1
Mabuza 65th
Moneni Pirates ............(0) 0
MHLUME – The winning run is over.
On a muddy pitch at Nsukuwansuku Stadium, Manzini Sea Birds pulled off a massive upset. They did not just win the game; they ended Moneni Pirates’ dream of staying unbeaten. With a single goal, they popped Pirates’ bubble and ended their ten-match unbeaten run in this Week 21 MTN Premier League clash.
Sea Birds Coach Friday Myeni was the man behind the plan that gave Pirates Coach Mattheus ‘Chaka Chaka’ Mandlazi his first loss since taking over. Pirates came into the game full of confidence after winning five games in a row. They wanted revenge for their first-round loss, but those hopes were ruined in the 65th minute by a goal from Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza.
With this result, Sea Birds did more than just win. They beat their rivals twice this season, which is a rare feat. More importantly, they are now just three points behind the leaders, Nsingizini Hotspurs, who have 44 points. Pirates stay in fourth place and missed the chance to move past Young Buffaloes into the top three.
The match was a tough battle in the mud. Pirates almost scored in the 48th minute when Richard Ofosu hit a hard shot, but Lindani Mtsetfwa made a great diving save. A few minutes later, Sea Birds’ Philani Mkhonto hit the crossbar with a powerful strike.
The goal finally came in the 65th minute. Mthokozisi Gwebu sent in a perfect cross for Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza to tap in. The 1-0 lead sent the fans into a frenzy.
Pirates tried everything to score in the final minutes. Bonkhe Masika hit the post in the 67th minute and Senanelo Nkambule’s header just missed the target in the 75th minute.
In stoppage time, Mthokozisi Hlatshwako hit the woodwork again. Some Pirates fans thought they had scored, but the ball stayed out.
Manzini Sea Birds’ Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza leads his teammates in celebration after their 1- 0 over Moneni Pirates. (Pic: Sanele Jele)