By Sibusiso Masilela
Young Buffaloes…………………… (2) 4,
Bongwa Matsebula 14th, 80th, Phiwa Dlamini 34th, Fanelo Mamba 57th
Moneni Pirates………………………( 0) 2,
Senanelo Nkhambule 73th, 75th
Moneni Pirates has sailed low in their pre-Ingwenyama Cup final clash.
The ‘Sea Robbers’ were outsmarted by Young Buffaloes with a 4-2 defeat during a six-goal MTN Premier league thriller played at Mavuso Sports Centre on Sunday.
The result left the vocal Pirates supporters with a lot of unanswered questions ahead of their crunch Ingwenyama Cup clash against Royal Leopards on April 6, 2025, at Somhlolo National Stadium.
The Caleb Ngwenya-led side looked vulnerable defensively without their captain Menzi Simelane and Ghanaian goalkeeper Bernard Ayikwei, who were rested in fear of getting more yellow cards which could have ruled them out of the final.
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Ngwenya was forced to introduce second-choice goalkeeper Ncanawe Ndlandla and youngster Mfundo Zwane.
The makeshift defence struggled to cope with the enterprising Young Buffaloes Strikers.
The army side drew first blood 14 minutes into action through their skillful winger Bongwa Matsebula who finished off a Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba rebound.
Pirates’ first real chances in the early stages of the first half came in the 26th minute when Bandile Shongwe failed to beat Buffaloes goalkeeper Mlungisi Ndwandwe on a one-on-one situation from a break attack.
Buffaloes doubled the advantage in the 34th minute through their veteran striker Phiwa Dlamini from a Bongwa Matsebula pass.
The goal gave the Dominic Kunene charges a two-goal cushion heading to the breather.
Buffaloes continued where they left off in the first half as they made it three before the hour mark through a Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba header.
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Pirates grandstand came to life in the 73rd minute when second-half substitute Senanelo Nkhambule pulled one back and reduced the deficit with a sublime finish.
Nkhambule completed his brace two minutes later with a glancing header from a Vukile Khumalo free kick.
Bongwa Matsebula then dashed hopes of a memorable comeback for Pirates when he nailed the final coffin on the Pirates coffin with a powerful strike that helped ‘Amathole Ezinyathi’ consolidate position four with 36 points.
