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â€˜BUFFSâ€™ THUMP BIRDS IN INGWENYAMA CUP

By Sibusiso Masilela | 2019-02-04

Mbabane Swallows………….. (0)0

Young Buffaloes…………….. (1) 2

SOCCER – CAPITAL city giants Mbabane Swallows’ good run in the SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup finally came to an end yesterday after being handed a 2-0 beating by Young Buffaloes in a semi-final encounter played at the Somhlolo National Stadium.

The three-time champions’ hopes of clinching a quadruple in the four--year- old knockout competition were shattered by Buffaloes star player, Sandile ’Saviola’ Gamedze, who netted the all-important brace that sealed the army side a place in the finals for the second time in four years.

The silky Gamedze did not only transport his team to the finals but further ensured sweet revenge against the red and white glamour side that denied them gold in the 2017 edition.

Following a cagey display in the opening minutes of the gruelling affair, it took the visitors 19 minutes to threaten in front of goals and it was through Gamedze, whose fine header from a Lindo Mkhonta cross was saved by Swallows keeper Sandanezwe Mathabela. Swallows could have opened the scoring in the 23th minute through veteran winger Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko, who blasted a Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze cross wide inside the box. Buffaloes eventually broke the deadlock five minutes before halftime through the troublesome Gamedze.

This was after he was fouled by Swallows right back Richard Sewu inside the box, forcing referee Mbongiseni Fakudze to award a spot kick to the opposition. Gamedze took the responsibility and fired past Sandanazwe Mathabela, giving his side a 1-0 cushion going to the breather. Swallows displayed some tenacity during the second stanza by throwing all sorts of ammunition to the opposition.

Experienced midfielder Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu saw his timely header missing the target by a whisker after connecting a Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze cross. Gamedze then sealed the brace in a spectacular fashion seven minutes before time with a sublime diving header, coming from a Lindo Mkhonta cross which provoked wild celebrations from their supporters and sympathisers; Mbabane Highlanders.

The teams:

Swallows - Sandanezwe, Sewu, Ndaba, Ndzabandzaba, Sthphen, Paito(Mcreesh), Wonder, Njabulo, Glody( Sizolwethu), Sabelo, Tony

Buffaloes - Nhlanhla, Lindo, Wandile, Sihlangu, Siboniso Mamba, Siboniso Ngwenya , Allie , Wandile Shabangu(Mpendulo), Ndoda(Phiwa), Sabelo , Fanelo.

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