Buffaloes through!

THROUGH: Young Buffaloes players in celebration

SOCCER – Army side, Young Buffaloes’ 1-2 loss to Seychelles’ St Michel FC in the second leg match of the Champions League yesterday could not stop them from progressing through to the next round of the Champions League after emerging 4-2 victors on aggregate.

They will now face Zambian side Zesco United in the next round. Zesco edged out Mozambican side Desportiva Muculmano on a 4-2 aggregate score after winning the first leg 3-0 before losing 1-2 over the past weekend.
Buffaloes beat their opponents 3-0 during the first leg clash, played at the Mavuso Sports Centre two weeks ago. Yesterday’s Orange Champions League clash played away from home was somehow tougher for the army side, as they went down 2-1.
Team PRO Nhlanhla Mabuza said they played well despite the circumstances and lauded his players for putting up a brave fight under very trying conditions.
“Although we lost the game, I feel we played very well. We were the first to score through Sdumo (Dlamini). They then equalised before scoring the winner very late into the game. It was a fair result and we are happy that we are now through to the next round,” he said.
Buffaloes are expected back in the country on Friday. Mabuza expressed his team’s gratitude to the nation for the support rendered to the side.
“We are very grateful to the nation for such amazing support. We could not have made it without their prayers. We promise to do our utmost best even in the next games,” he said.
Buffaloes set the tone for this encounter when they displayed a flawless performance in the first leg clash. Spearheaded by speedy striker Ndoda Mthethwa, they were unstoppable making the second leg clash, which was played yesterday a mere formality.

Chikokola hails his conquering stars

SOCCER – YOUNG Buffaloes’ Zambian coach George ‘Chameleon’ Chikokola was over the moon yesterday following his team’s advancement into the CAF Champions League first round.
The outspoken coach interviewed after the game against Seychelles’ St. Michel FC, which they, however, lost 1-2 said his players played according to instructions and deserved to advance to the next stage of the competition.
“We played very well. Our plan was to ensure that we get an early goal to put them under pressure.
“We knew that if we scored an early goal they would be unsettled and that is exactly what happened. We scored the goal early and their game plan was affected.
“I would just like to thank everyone for supporting the team. We would not have done it without the support of all involved,” he said.

…They play Seychelles national team Wednesday

SOCCER – AFTER impressing the Seychelles’ football fraternity army side, Young Buffaloes continue to rewrite the local game’s history pages as they are scheduled to play against the Seychelles national team on Wednesday.
They will become the first team in the country in recent times to play against a national side.
Buffaloes are also first time participants in the continental competition.
flights
They will be in Seychelles until Friday as direct flights to South Africa will only be on Friday.
The army team PRO, Nhlanhla Mabuza, said they were obviously excited at the prospects of playing against that country’s national team and were actually looking forward to the game.
“It is an honour. After seeing us play against St. Michel, they then challenged us to a friendly game.
“We had no problems accepting the challenge because after all, we will be here until Friday,” he said.

Team booked at guesthouse instead of hotel

SOCCER – YOUNG Buffaloes are not happy at the manner in which they have been treated in Seychelles and have reported their host to the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS).
The team wants the local football mother body to forward their complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), whose auspices the Champions League is played.
“When St Michel were in Swaziland, we adhered to the CAF rules and booked them in a five-star hotel.
“We are not happy with the accommodation offered to us because we are staying in a guest house and some of the players are cramped in one room.
“Ordinarily, two players should share a single room but what is happening here is really disappointing. In some of the rooms, you find four players.
“We have already informed the FA though and we hope they will take action on our behalf,” he said.