From a football perspective, Pirates started off the season in a rather slow and dissapointing manner. Precisely, in November 2021 the team played 4 games in total and in that time dropped points against Rangers (loss), Callies (loss), Buffaloes (win) and Milling (win) to find themselves in nineth place, 6 ponts behind the defending champions Royal Leopards.
December 2021
Results;
- MONENI PIRATES FC (0 - 0) TINYOSI FC
- TAMBUTI FC (1 - 1) MONENI PIRATES FC
- MBABANE HIGHLANDERS (2 - 2) MONENI PIRATES
- MONENI PIRATES FC (2 - 1) GREEN MAMBA FC
Highlight of the month: While there wasn’t too much to celebrate during this dreaded December, beating Green Mamba remains the best highlight for this month whilst securing a draw with Mbabane Highlanders; but, most importantly it was not conceding a loss. It was at this point that Pirates proved their valour to claim the title "Kings of Come-backs" they came from behind to secure a (1-1) draw over Tambuti, repeated the same fete against Green Mamba to secure a (2-1) and with Mbabane Highlanders came twice from behind to finally clinch another draw.
January 2021
Results ;
- MONENI PIRATES FC (3 - 2) ROYAL LEOPARDS FC
- MANZINI WANDERERS FC (2 - 2) MONENI PIRATES FC
Highlight of the month:
Pirates has been on a high since the year began! The key ones that stood out were: Bongiswa's thunderous strike against Manzini Wanderers that deflected into the back of the net. Mphumuzi "Bhada" Sangweni's clinical strike that cinched the equalizer against Manzini Wanderers as the team made another terrific comeback after trailing going to the half-time break trailing (0-2).
Wrapping Up
It has already been an action-packed first-half,
both on and off the pitch. Pirates have shown both sides of themselves; a squad
full of potential and eagerness, prepared to square it up with the best; and; a
side that is still learning & developing chemistry / cohesion under a
manager in his first full season with the team. For the most part, Pirates have
played some quality football and have created some great moments for the
highlights reel. Collecting all nine points this round from the security forces
teams and managing draws against Mbabane Highlanders and Manzini Wanderers.
Likewise, they are also plaqued by some
of the problems of days gone by (dominating possession and creating chances but
not being clinical / ruthless, and having unexplainable errors) which has
caused frustration for both Gcina and the Pirates supporters alike.
Coach Gcina and his charges we hope
are fully aware that the team they have is somewhat fit and has the ability to
deliver better performances and results, as was demonstrated in their recent
matches whereby Pirates came from behind to win or draw the match. In all their
matches they have not led and surrendered a winning position but have been unlikely
most often to not capitalise on their overall dominance.
Then there’s the insignificant issue
of unpredictable refereeing in crucial moments which, when times are tough, can
really complicate matters. Enough with the excuses/relevant context, Moneni Pirates
FC is used to dealing with adversity and often thrives under this sense of
pressure and reveals its true character – a Champions character!
Here’s hoping Pirates handlers (Coaches
and MC) will be able to channel the Buccaneers character of yester-years and further
adopt a ruthless, siege mentality to show the local football fraternity why we
are Swaziland’s best!
