Africa-Press – Eswatini. Moneni Pirates, arguably one of the big teams in the country, have been on a steady decline in recent times, so much so that it has now descended into a crisis.
This is the story of the Sea Robbers, who suffered yet another defeat, and this time at the hands of Royal Leopard.
This was during an MTN Premier League match played at Mayaluka Stadium yesterday where they lost 0-1. This is the Buccaneers’ fifth defeat this season as they remain rooted at the bottom of the MTN Premier League log standings with one point in six games.
Additionally, the defeats have resulted in the fans convening a meeting where they made it clear that they were not happy with the situation in the team.
missed
They even wanted to know the availability of former coach Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga, who is also the former minister of sports.
However, Bulunga made it clear that he was not ready to return to football. Coming to the match, Pirates were the better side in the opening stages but they missed their chances.
The visitors, however, took the lead much against the run of play in the 20th minute when Junior Magagula beat Bhekisisa Dlamini from 45 yards.
Magagula unleashed a thunder bolt shot that beat the goalkeeper hands down.
Pirates had a chance to level matters in the 43rd minute but striker Richard Ofosu missed the target at close range.
The match went to the break with the police side leading 1-0.
The second half was a replica of the first stanza with Pirates the better side as they looked to find an equaliser. The Sea Robbers would now and again add numbers forward in search for a goal but Leopard defenders thwarted every move by the opposition.
The Buccaneers continued to dominate the match and Leopard goalkeeper Mlamuli Makhanya produced two good saves to deny Ofosu and Mazwi Sihlongonyane, who both should have scored.
Both teams launched attacks in the latter stages of the game with Pirates looking to snatch a late equalising goal, while Leopard were eager to kill off the match with their second goal.
However, the two teams were unable to find the back of the net in the dying minutes of the encounter and ultimately, Ingwe Mabalabala emerged 1-0 winners on the day.
Coach Ikarbort Masocha said the situation was known in the team.
“We are aware of the situation we are in and we need to find a solution soonest,” he said briefly after the match.
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