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‘BUFFS’ CHAMPS

By JONGILE XUBA | 2024-09-12

Young Buffaloes …………….. (0)2

Moneni Pirates ………………. (0)0

SOCCER - ASAKHULILE amathole! Dominic Kunene made a triumphant return to Young Buffaloes, guiding the team to their first trophy in five years with a 2-0 victory over Moneni Pirates in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup final yesterday.

The victory not only ended Buffaloes’ trophy drought but they also won a cash prize of E600 000. Kunene, who was reappointed at the beginning of the season, has restored his winning formula to the army side.

Ironically, Buffaloes’ last trophy was won under Kunene’s guidance during the 2019-2020 season, and his return to the helm seems to have revived the team’s winning spirit. The final match began at a slow tempo, understandable given that both teams had played just the day before.

It was striker Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze’s second brace that gave Buffaloes the title. In addition to the championship win, the team also won three awards where Dominic Kunene was named Coach of the Tournament, with striker ‘Saviola’ getting the Top Goal Scorer award after scoring five goals.

The best PRO award went to the club’s CEO Sandile Gwebu. Moneni Pirates may have lost in the finals, but captain Menzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane was named the Player of the Tournament with Bernard Akpeyi getting the Goalkeeper of the Tournament Award.

Coming to the match, Pirates were the first to show intent, attempting to exploit Buffaloes’ defence by working the wings and looking for cut-back passes, but Buffaloes’ backline remained resolute. The match went to the break at 0-0. In the second half,

Buffaloes started with renewed energy where they scored the two goals.The first one was a volley from inside the box while the second was converted from the spot.

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