‘Buffs’ ruin SA Pirates development players debut

BY NTOMBIKAYISE GWEBU

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

Buffaloes………………….2

Mpetha 50th, Mlandvo 53rd

Moneni……………………..1

Juju 66th

LOBAMBA-Young Buffaloes ruined a perfect debut for Orlando Pirates development players, beating Moneni 2-1 yesterday night.

This was during a pulsating MTN Premier League week two encounter staged under dark Somhlolo National Stadium skies on October 3, 2026. The victory earns Buffaloes their first three points this season having lost their opening game against Rangers. Moneni as well, maintained this same number after narrowly beating defending league champions Nsingizini Hotspurs. The duo of Katlego Moloi and Reggy Williams had made Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala’s first 11 for this match. They played for 45 minutes before being replaced. On the other hand, Dominic Kunene had brought in former Green Mamba enterprising midfielder Lindani ‘Rio’ Matsenjwa.

The latter was signed just before Eswatini’s first window registration period closed at midnight. However, the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has since extended the window to October 14. It was a see-saw into the first 10 opening minutes with both squads still settling in. However, Buffaloes had a mini setback after Sibonelo Sibandze was seen lying on the pitch with a suspected muscle tear. This forced an early substitution with Siphesihle Nsingizini introduced in his place.

Into 20 minutes, Moneni shot-stopper Ncanawe Ndlandla made two quick-fire saves to keep Young Buffaloes at bay as Owa ‘Logwaja’ Matsebula and Mpendulo ‘Mpetha’ Dlamini came knocking. Meanwhile, into 36 minutes Buffaloes goalkeeper Simo ‘Maselesele’ Ndzinisa rose up to make a good save as Williams struck a high ball from his left flank.

With numerous chances created by both sides, the match remained goalless when FIFA-accredited referee Celumusa Siphepho signalled for the breather. The turning moment came shortly into replay for Buffaloes, with Mpetha finding Ndlandla’s net into 50 minutes. As if that was not enough, three minutes later they rushed to celebrate again after Mlandvo Shongwe stretched their lead.

Meanwhile, four minutes later Sea Robbers came close to reducing the deficit as replacement Wamkelwe Dlamini tried to break into Maselesele’s area. However, his efforts were thwarted by the tall well-built legs of Siboniso ‘Gaxa’ Sibandze leaving their breakthrough still elusive. Reversely, Logwaja all powered up sprinted towards Ndlandla’s post but the Moneni backline featuring skipper Nkhosinathi ‘Stina’ Shongwe and Richard Ofosu left him no space to proceed with his ambitions.

Moneni finally had a sigh of relief as Senanelo ‘Juju’ Nkambule rose up and powered a beautiful header from Andile Mamba’s quirky pass. Meanwhile, Mthokozisi ‘General’ Hlatshwako intercepted as Rio hoped to announce a return to his boyhood club in style. This forced his now soft shot to hit above Ndlandla’s post inside 70 minutes. At the 77th mark, Mosala’s men were briefly derailed by Juju’s forced substitution following an injury.

Conversely, Gaxa was well taken on target after Ndlandla swiftly snatched the ball from his feet. With nine minutes of regulation time remaining, Biko Sibandze came agonisingly close to finding an equaliser but his efforts sailed over the crossbar. They had thrown everything into attack to level matters. However, Buffaloes defence held firm resulting in a 2-1 victory as Siphepho announced the end of regulation time.

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