It’s Sea Birds vs Nsingizini in semis

By Chris Dlamini

M. Pirates………….(1) 1,
Senalelo 37th
M. Sea Birds……….(2) 2,
Mthokozisi 43rd, Linda 67th

What a game!

The hub derby between last year’s runners-up Moneni Pirates and their city neighbours Manzini Sea Birds was an edge-of-the-seat encounter besides the anti-football drama by both sides.

Pirates lost the contest 2-1 amid scoring first through troublesome forward Senanelo Nkambule seven minutes from the half-hour mark.
He scored a stunning goal from outside the box that went over the hapless goalkeeper Lindani Mtsetfwa into the top corner.

His goal was soon cancelled out by Mthokozisi Gwebu two minutes from the break. He beat an advancing Qiniso Nyawo after a stellar through ball.

The teams went to the breather tied at 1-1 in what an evenly contested opening half was. Sea Birds came back strongest in the second half and deservedly took the lead in the 67th.

It was yet another beautiful goal volleyed from a costly intended back header to his goalkeeper by captain Menzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane.

Sea Birds will now meet Nsingizini Hotspurs in the semi-finals on Saturday at the Mavuso Sports Centre, Manzini. Nsingizini eliminated a tough Malanti Chiefs on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, Ubombo Sugar FC will take on Green Mamba in the other semi-final clash – E630 000 is at stake in the finals on Sunday.
Otherwise, Moneni finished strongly in search of an equaliser, but it never came.