DRAMA AS PIRATES HOLD ‘BIRDS’

Swallows…......................…….. (0)1
Papy 53rd
Pirates………....................…… (0)1
‘Order’ 52nd

LOBAMBA – Premier League Referee Mbongeni Shongwe was under the spotlight as a recharged Moneni Pirates held champions, Mbabane Swallows, to a 1-all draw last night at Somhlolo National Stadium.

Swallows coach, Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati and some team officials were hot under the collar as they were utterly dismayed by the referring team, with the gaffer’s complaints headlined by unpunished tackles from behind against talisman, Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, and a ‘disallowed’ goal for Pirates striker, Mfanufukile ‘Fash’ Ndzimandze, after the hour mark.

“I’m just annoyed. How I wish the league was over. I’m just disappointed by the officiating. Today the match officials took centre stage,” bellowed Vilakati.

Swallows, who were playing catch-up still managed to stretch their unbeaten run in the league to 20 matches, but dropped points for the second time this season after the feisty MTN Premier League showdown played in blistering pace at Somhlolo National Stadium. Before the stop at the country’s football Mecca, only Midas City had managed to force the ‘team of the moment’ to drop points following a 1-all draw recently.

Pirates, who had opted for their tried and tested 4-3-3 formation, had done their homework as they had the required mileage and responded to every attack from the opposition. They drew first blood through the speedy Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba. The latter sprinted from about 30 yards, leaving  Swallows defenders for dead before beating ‘Birds’ shot-stopper, Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza, with a low shot  just eight minutes into the second half. It was short-lived joy as Papy Kabamba responded with a glancing header a minute later after he was set up by Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko, with a fine cross.

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