Times Of Swaziland: ‘WESLIANS’ SHOOT DOWN ‘BIRDS’

‘WESLIANS’ SHOOT DOWN ‘BIRDS’
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BY CHRIS DLAMINI on 30/03/2014 07:50:00


LOBAMBA – The sun set on MTN League defending champions Mbabane Swallows
yesterday as their sworn rivals Manzini Wanderers put up a solid performance to
come from behind and win 2-1.
Not only did Wanderers have the last laugh after a lot of off the field war of
words between the two sides but they also dented the Umkhonto KaShaka, title
hopes.
This was more so because leaders Royal Leopard who played their match two hours
earlier before this crunch match beat Manzini Sundowns 2-0 to extend their lead
at the summit to four points. Before an estimated over 2 000 crowd, Swallows
started the game on top of things as the Weslians chased shadows and looked
disoriented.
It was no surprise when Swallows took an early lead via the experienced boot of
right winger Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko a minute into the game – it was
such a rocket in front of goal just inside the area as he mercilessly finished
off a rebound after a corner kick was half cleared!
With Wanderers starting with holding midfielders Vuyani ‘Mascherano’
Mazibuko in the middle and Sandile ‘Theo’ Motsa upfront, the Swallows’
defence were never threatened which saw the latter dominated in possession.
Seeing the ineffectiveness here, Wanderers’ coach Kenny Ndlazi made a tactical
change pulling off Vuyani for striker Sidumo Shongwe – good decision as he
immediately made an impact.
He was on target four minutes after coming on as he showed his predatory
instincts, capitalising on the opposition defence’s failure to clear a ball
into the area.
With the score line level, it was game on but Swallows suffered a blow when the
best player on the pitch Samba Jive, was subbed due to injury with Darren
‘Dazza’ Christie coming in his place.
Sidumo then finished his brace for the Weslians in the 38th with a close range
header from a well weighted right wing cross by Tawanda Chikuku who had been
nicely spotted by troublesome winger Sifiso Matse.
Swallows were awarded a penalty by referee Simanga Nhleko at the stroke of half
time after defender Elias Makako fouled midfielder Felix Badenhorst from behind
inside the box.
However, trusted left winger and captain Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze was shocked as
goalkeeper Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza dived the right way to punch it back
into play before it was cleared for a corner kick.
He could have scored a hat trick but saw his six yard effort in a counter attack
move with Tawanda deflected and miss target by inches. Right winger Sifiso Matse
could have also scored but saw his effort blocked by goalkeeper Jim Knowledge
for a fruitless corner kick.
The match ended with Swallows still pushing, even hitting the post on stoppage
time but all in vain as the final whistle came, much to a huge roar of approval
by Wanderers and Mbabane Highlanders supporters who shared a grandstand.