Africa-Press – Eswatini. This is the story of Moneni Pirates, who have set a new infamous record in the MTN Premier League in the past two decades.
Formed in 1967 by the late visionary leader Ngungunyane Matsenjwa, the ‘Sea Robbers’ are going through a rough patch this season as they are still winless in 15 games.
For the past 20 years, no club in the elite league has played 15 matches without a win.
Last weekend, Pirates were close to recording their first victory when they scored two quick goals against Manzini Wanderers, but they surrendered the lead, hence the match ended in 2-all draw, much to the chagrin of their supporters.
As things stand, Pirates are lying shamefacedly at the bottom of the log standings with only nine points after 15 games.
The last time the team finished in a better position was during the era of the late gaffer Gcina ‘Magiyane’ Dlamini in the 2018/19 season when they finished third.
Pirates recently parted ways with highly-rated Zimbabwean mentor Ikabort Masocha due to a string of poor results. Prodigal son Gcina Dlamini was recalled from Illovo to save the sinking ship but results haven’t been forthcoming, thus causing panic to the team’s loyal faithfuls.
According to an expert’s point of view, Josiah ‘Digger’ Dlamini, Pirates are always building. “This is a bad record in years. Their problem is that they are recruitment fodder for other clubs; hence every season they have a new team.
For me the team has to change their approach by keeping its players. With that said, I think they can still survive relegation.
They just need to win four matches in a row to change their fortunes,” the well-known strategist, who once coached Sihlangu, said. Moneni Pirates Public Relations Officer Sibusiso Nkambule said this was a bad record for the team.
“This is unbelievable and very unfortunate to happen for a club of Moneni Pirates’ calibre.
“However, we have not lost hope. We are certain we will turn the corner and start winning games.”
Nkambule said they were going through a rough patch and it was affecting the players.
“We lost seven players who were in the starting 11 at the beginning of the season and this affected the team.
“We have still not recovered from that and unfortunately we are also not winning games.
“We will have to sit down and develop a proper strategy to turn our fortunes around,” said Nkambule.
Things do not look good for the ‘Sea Robbers’, as they also stare relegation in the face, which could be their second in eight years.
They were also relegated in the 2015/2016 season just after they were crowned champions of the SwaziBank Cup.
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