Times Of Swaziland: BIRDS SOAR, LOZITHA E105K RICHER

BIRDS SOAR, LOZITHA E105K RICHER
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By Sanele Jele and Nimrod Hlophe on 27/01/2025 18:38:00


CK Survivors ....................(0) 0
Mbabane Swallows ...........(2) 3
Njongo 10th, Newman 28th,77th
MANZINI – They were simply sublime!
Mbabane Swallows, despite missing two pivotal players—Kwakhe Thwala and
Siphosethu Mabilisa—effortlessly glided into the quarter-finals of the
prestigious Ingwenyama Cup, dispatching National First Division strugglers CK
Survivors with a resounding 3-0 victory. The triumph was orchestrated by
talented striker Njongo Mazibuko, who opened the scoring, along with a brace
from Newman Philiso. However, it is worth noting that Thwala and Mabilisa have
reportedly expressed their desire to leave the team, potentially seeking to join
other sides. Under the astute guidance of Coach Sindiso Gama, Swallows now join
seven other teams, including Royal Leopard, Young Buffaloes, Moneni Pirates,
Manzini Sea Birds, Ezulwini United, Illovo and Lozitha Spurs. Each of these
teams have already secured E75 000, while the eventual tournament victor will
walk away with a staggering E1.45 million.
reward
These remaining clubs have also reached the financial reward stage as all
quarter-finalists are guaranteed a bigger financial reward. Each of these clubs
are assured of E75 000 for their accomplishment in this seventh edition of the
E5 million-worth tournament, except for one club, Lozitha Spurs. The latter have
got a bonus of E30 000 for being the best National First Division (NFD)
finisher. This prize was contested for by the lower division and the Super
League teams. In essence, Lozitha are now guaranteed E105 000 in total.
When the draw was conducted a week prior at the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle
Accidents Fund (SMVAF) headquarters, pundits anticipated a challenging encounter
for Swallows against CK Survivors.
However, as the match unfolded, it became apparent that the visitors were in
complete command, dominating proceedings throughout the contest. The blue and
white brigade commenced the match with fervour, breaking the deadlock just 10
minutes into the one-sided affair. Mazibuko deftly slotted the ball from the
right flank, outwitting Survivors goalkeeper Njabulo Malinga at his near post to
make it 1-0. Just two minutes before the half-hour mark, Philiso unleashed a
thunderous strike from 40 yards, leaving the goalkeeper caught off guard and
extending the lead to 2-0. A follow-up chance from Mancoba Vilakati could have
further increased their advantage, but Philiso’s shot from inside the box was
thwarted just before half-time.
In the second half, coach Gama opted for a tactical substitution, bringing on
Sandile Hlatshwako for Biko Sibandze. Mazibuko narrowly missed out on a brace
when his close-range effort was expertly saved by the Survivors’ goalkeeper in
the 65th minute. With fresh legs injected into the attack, Mazibuko and Mlamuli
Nkambule were replaced by Phiwokuhle Shabangu and Sithole Menzi in the 75th
minute to bolster the offensive line.
converted
Shortly after, Nhlanhla Ngwenya was brought down in the box by Lungelo Khoza,
and Philiso calmly converted the penalty in the 77th minute, solidifying the
score at 3-0.
The hosts came close to finding the back of the net, but goalkeeper Bongiswa
Dlamini made a spectacular save from Ciniso Maseko’s powerful shot in the 79th
minute.
Swallows nearly made it 4-0, but Ngwenya’s tap-in was denied just 10 minutes
before the final whistle.