By Lwazi Dlamini
(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
A resolute Young Buffaloes weathered off a raging Mbabane Highlanders storm in a goalless draw here this afternoon to remain top of the MTN log standings with one game before the curtain falls down in a gruelling first round.
The army side now needs to beat Seven Dreams in the first-round last game next weekend to be certain of the E100 000. They now lead nearest challengers Green Mamba by a single point after the ‘Correctional Services’ side beat inconsistent Nsingizini Hotspurs 1-0 at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium.
Green Mamba, who have been on a three-match winning streak, face unpredictable Tambuti FC in the last game next weekend. Tambuti FC caused the biggest upset of the weekend today when they beat Mbabane Swallows 1-0 at Mayaluka Stadium.
Newly unveiled Mbabane Highlanders South African coach Solly Luvhengo was impressed by the performance of the ‘Black Bull’ who spurned countless gilt-edged chances including what stands to be the ‘miss of the season’ when Kenneth Moloto failed to tap in from two yards out a cross from second-half substitute Philani Mkhontfo two minutes before the referee, Leticia Viana blew her final whistle.
“It was a good game and I think we should have won looking at the number of chances we created. Our players need to be patient inside the box. We will work on the few errors I picked up,” he said briefly after the match.
At the Prince of Wales, struggling Manzini Wanderers recorded their second win of the season, beating Seven Dreams 2-1. The 2-1 victory has lifted the ‘Weslians’ to position 12th on the log standings, which would give them big hopes for survival after the worst start to the season in the club’s rich 66-year history.
FULL MTN LEAGUE RESULTS:
Moneni Pirates 2 Denver Sundowns 1
Mbabane Highlanders 0 Young Buffaloes 0
Nsingizini Hotspurs 0 Green Mamba 1
Manzini Wanderers 2 Seven Dreams 1
Tambuti FC 1 Mbabane Swallows 0
Manzini Sea Birds 1 Madlenya 2
Tambankulu Callies 0 Royal Leopard 1
