Lions of Sabi Sands

[Vengeous]

I think a lot of people are deeping this interaction - it's exciting to play this up as a major showdown between two of the most formidable duos in Sabi Sands, when I do agree with some users that this was just a reiteration of boundaries. The PCMs were realistically never going to come out on top in the Ndhzengas' territory, they pushed their luck and got repelled because there was far more to lose for them - the potential injuries suffered from a clash was never going to be worth an expansion of their territory. I think it's worth pointing out that part of what makes the PCMs so formidable is that unless they are scrapping over mating rights, the two of them rarely allow themselves to get hurt in conflicts with other lions. They sustained minor injuries when taking down Nhenha, and had maybe a couple of scratches after injuring one of the Kambulas and possibly killing Lip Scarr Nkuhuma. They usually only fight when they possess the element of surprise.

The Ndhzengas, on the other hand, absolutely needed to make a statement against the PCMs' incursion. They had far more to lose if they retreated in their own territory. If the Ndhzengas' and PCMs' roles were reversed, the outcome would likely be reversed too. At the end of the day, there is so much to lose for both these males and while people criticise the PCMs for leaving the west, I have always seen it as a calculated risk, far different from the risk that the PCMs would take clashing with the Ndhzengas in Londolozi. The Ndhzengas have often been very prudent in their patrols and their movement has always been very defense-oriented.

Ultimately, both have reinforced their borders and unless the PCMs are lured by the Kambula or Ntsevu prides, I find it highly unlikely that they will move deep into Ndhzenga territory because there's just no reason to. In my humble opinion this barely constitutes a "battle" between these coalitions. Reply