The Young Buffaloes football team secured their first three points of the season with a 2-1 victory over Moneni Pirates at the Somhlolo National Stadium on October 3, 2026. The match was a pulsating encounter that saw both teams create numerous chances. Buffaloes' Mpetha scored the first goal in the 50th minute, and Mlandvo Shongwe added another three minutes later. Moneni Pirates' Senanelo 'Juju' Nkambule scored a late consolation goal in the 66th minute.
The match marked a debut for two Orlando Pirates development players, Katlego Moloi and Reggy Williams, who played for 45 minutes before being replaced. Moneni Pirates' coach, Selaotse 'Sly' Mosala, made two substitutions, bringing in the players in the 45th minute. Buffaloes' goalkeeper, Simo 'Maselesele' Ndzinisa, made a crucial save in the 36th minute to deny Williams. The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) had extended the registration window to October 14, allowing teams to make late signings.
The game got off to a fast start, with both teams settling in and creating chances. However, Buffaloes suffered a setback when Sibonelo Sibandze was forced to leave the pitch with a suspected muscle tear. He was replaced by Siphesihle Nsingizini in the early minutes of the game. Moneni Pirates' shot-stopper, Ncanawe Ndlandla, made two quick-fire saves to keep Buffaloes at bay.
The turning point of the game came when Mpetha found Ndlandla's net in the 50th minute, giving Buffaloes the lead. Three minutes later, Mlandvo Shongwe added another goal, stretching Buffaloes' lead. Moneni Pirates came close to reducing the deficit when Wamkelwe Dlamini tried to break into Buffaloes' goalkeeper's area, but his efforts were thwarted by Siboniso 'Gaxa' Sibandze.
Moneni Pirates finally found a breakthrough when Senanelo 'Juju' Nkambule rose up and powered a beautiful header from Andile Mamba's quirky pass. However, the team was dealt a blow when Juju was forced to leave the pitch due to an injury in the 77th minute. Buffaloes' defender, Gaxa, was well taken on target after Ndlandla swiftly snatched the ball from his feet.
As the game neared its end, Moneni Pirates threw everything into attack to level the score, but Buffaloes' defense held firm. Biko Sibandze came agonizingly close to finding an equalizer, but his efforts sailed over the crossbar. In the end, Buffaloes emerged victorious with a 2-1 win.
The victory earns Buffaloes their first three points of the season, while Moneni Pirates maintained their same number of points after narrowly beating defending league champions Nsingizini Hotspurs in their previous match. The win marked a significant milestone for Buffaloes, who had lost their opening game against Rangers.
Key points
- Buffaloes secured their first three points of the season with a 2-1 victory over Moneni Pirates.
