BY NIMROD HLOPHE
(At Mayaluka Stadium)
Manzini Wanderers …0 (0)
Lozitha Spurs ………….0 (0)
BIG BEND – Police intervened to separate officials and marshals after a confrontation marred Lozitha Spurs’ goalless draw with Manzini Wanderers in the MulaSport National First Division yesterday.
The incident occurred behind the Lozitha goal towards the end of the match after a Spurs official allegedly breached a safety rope and walked behind the side netting.
Wanderers marshals reportedly took exception to his movements and rushed to pull him back, triggering a heated exchange.
The confrontation turned physical, with some slaps reportedly exchanged before police officers intervened and restored order within three minutes.
On the pitch, Wanderers dominated for long spells, but lacked the finishing touch to secure a third consecutive victory. Spurs gradually grew into the contest, threatening on the counter-attack, but neither side found the breakthrough.
The draw ended Wanderers’ winning start after two successive victories, taking their tally to seven points from three matches.
The maroon-and-white outfit remain fourth on the log, behind leaders Nkwene Sundowns, who have seven points and a superior goal difference, as well as Emajukujuku and Sisonkhe. Wanderers have a goal difference of plus four.
Sisonkhe also have seven points, while Emajukujuku boast a superior goal difference of plus six. Nkwene Sundowns lead the standings with a goal difference of plus nine.
Lozitha, meanwhile, move to two points from three matches and remain in the lower half of the table. They have drawn twice, against Wanderers and Mankayane United, after losing their opening fixture to Sisonkhe.
Wanderers created the clearer openings in the first half, with Mvoti nearly catching Lozitha goalkeeper Sanele Malaza off guard with an audacious effort from near the halfway line. Malaza tipped the ball over the crossbar.
The sides went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
Two minutes after the restart, Lozitha striker Menzi Dludlu unleashed a powerful effort that narrowly missed the target, with Wanderers goalkeeper Mario Jamine stranded.
Dludlu then set up Senhle Manyatsi in the 52nd minute, but the forward fired over with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Wanderers responded through veteran striker Sifiso Mazibuko, whose effort inside the box was comfortably gathered by Malaza.
Mvoti came close to breaking the deadlock in the 75th minute, forcing a fine one-handed save from the Lozitha goalkeeper.
Two minutes from time, Malaza nearly gifted Wanderers victory after fumbling Mazibuko’s header, but recovered before the ball crossed the line.
Lozitha had the final opportunity, but Lihle dragged his effort wide.
Wanderers next face Mankayane United, while Lozitha travel to meet Malanti Chiefs.
RESULTS:
MulaSport National 1st Division:
| Home | Score | Away |
| CPL | 3 – 1 | M. Manchester |
| Sisonkhe | 1 – 0 | M. Sundowns |
| M. Wanderers | 0 – 0 | Lozitha Spurs |
| Viva Stumbo’s XI | 2 – 0 | Mankayane Utd |
| Mpini Cosmos | 3 – 2 | Magwanyana |
| All Nations | 1 – 6 | Nkwene Sund. |
| Malanti Chiefs | 2 – 0 | M. Supersport |
| Sidwashini Utd | 0 – 3 | Emajukujuku |
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