Swazi Charity Cup rewind… with Lwazi Dlamini
Phinda Dlamini
A round-up of this past weekend’s action in the Swazi Charity Cup…
HEROES OF THE DAY
Phinda Dlamini (Manzini Sundowns):
The lanky striker showed predatory instincts that would have shamed a leopard that has gone a day without a meal, when he pounced on the defence-splitting pass from Celucolo Mmema and outpaced defender Elliot Lukhele to fire a low shot to the right far corner of the net. His goal proved to be worth the E600,000 first prize cheque.
Pride Zendera (Manzini Sundowns):
He is the reason Sundowns reached the final. His two world class saves, in particular the point-blank save on a goal-bound Sabelo Ndzinisa shot deep in referee’s optional time, was simply breath-taking. The Zimbabwean goal-minder is no doubt Sundowns’ best buy of the season. Whatever Sundowns are paying him, they should double it!
Leonard Bongso (Manzini Sundowns):
His goal against Mbabane Swallows in the second semifinal might not have been classy, but it showed what a nippy striker he is. His off-the-ball run was well calculated for the long Reagan Steenkamp pass and his finishing was a typical goal poacher’s strike. He remains Sundowns’ most dangerous striker and can singlehandedly keep the entire opposition defence on its toes with his pace and silky skills.
Manqoba Kunene (Young Buffaloes):
Fine, many will attribute his meek free kick to Sebenele Malaza’s schoolboy error, but still the confidence in trying to lob the goalkeeper from the centre line was audacious and it paid off with the priceless winner in the 3-2 victory over Mbabane Highlanders in the first semifinal. He will never score the easiest goal in his entire career!
BAD BOY BLUES
Sebenele Malaza (Highlanders):
His butter fingers are legendary! But Sunday’s goalkeeping howler must rank as the worst, even by his own low standards. Beaten by a long ball from the centre line which took a bounce, Malaza left the Highlanders grand stand in shock and awe. It would have been hilarious were it not an official game.
IT’S IN THE NET
For the simple reason that the goal proved to be the winner of the tournament itself, Sundowns striker Phinda Dlamini’s 26th minute goal was worth every penny. The son of former Moneni Pirates striker Dr Futhi Dlamini showed composure which far belies his age and he displayed the precision of a surgeon as he sliced the ball to the far right corner beyond the desperate hands of goalkeeper Nhlanhla Gwebu.
DID YOU SEE THAT?
Mbabane Highlanders fans mobbing the team’s dressing room after the 2-3 loss to Young Buffaloes and hurling unprintable expletives in the direction of goalkeeper Sebenele Malaza for his monumental blunder, which presented the army side with the winner a few minutes before full time. The club’s kombi had to quickly whisk the players away from the irate supporters.
Lwazi Dlamini
HEROES OF THE DAY
Phinda Dlamini (Manzini Sundowns):
The lanky striker showed predatory instincts that would have shamed a leopard that has gone a day without a meal, when he pounced on the defence-splitting pass from Celucolo Mmema and outpaced defender Elliot Lukhele to fire a low shot to the right far corner of the net. His goal proved to be worth the E600,000 first prize cheque.
Pride Zendera (Manzini Sundowns):
He is the reason Sundowns reached the final. His two world class saves, in particular the point-blank save on a goal-bound Sabelo Ndzinisa shot deep in referee’s optional time, was simply breath-taking. The Zimbabwean goal-minder is no doubt Sundowns’ best buy of the season. Whatever Sundowns are paying him, they should double it!
Leonard Bongso (Manzini Sundowns):
His goal against Mbabane Swallows in the second semifinal might not have been classy, but it showed what a nippy striker he is. His off-the-ball run was well calculated for the long Reagan Steenkamp pass and his finishing was a typical goal poacher’s strike. He remains Sundowns’ most dangerous striker and can singlehandedly keep the entire opposition defence on its toes with his pace and silky skills.
Manqoba Kunene (Young Buffaloes):
Fine, many will attribute his meek free kick to Sebenele Malaza’s schoolboy error, but still the confidence in trying to lob the goalkeeper from the centre line was audacious and it paid off with the priceless winner in the 3-2 victory over Mbabane Highlanders in the first semifinal. He will never score the easiest goal in his entire career!
BAD BOY BLUES
Sebenele Malaza (Highlanders):
His butter fingers are legendary! But Sunday’s goalkeeping howler must rank as the worst, even by his own low standards. Beaten by a long ball from the centre line which took a bounce, Malaza left the Highlanders grand stand in shock and awe. It would have been hilarious were it not an official game.
IT’S IN THE NET
For the simple reason that the goal proved to be the winner of the tournament itself, Sundowns striker Phinda Dlamini’s 26th minute goal was worth every penny. The son of former Moneni Pirates striker Dr Futhi Dlamini showed composure which far belies his age and he displayed the precision of a surgeon as he sliced the ball to the far right corner beyond the desperate hands of goalkeeper Nhlanhla Gwebu.
DID YOU SEE THAT?
Mbabane Highlanders fans mobbing the team’s dressing room after the 2-3 loss to Young Buffaloes and hurling unprintable expletives in the direction of goalkeeper Sebenele Malaza for his monumental blunder, which presented the army side with the winner a few minutes before full time. The club’s kombi had to quickly whisk the players away from the irate supporters.
Lwazi Dlamini
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