SWALLOWS KEEN TO GET BACK ON TRACK

MBABANE – Redemption is the buzzword at Mbabane Swallows’ camp, as they head north for a CAF Champions League return match against Tunisian giants Etoile du Sahel tonight.

The match is set for Sousse, which is located about 140 kilometres from that country’s capital, Tunis. The city is a hub for olive oil, processed food, textile and tourism. The fixture comes exactly 10 days after a 0-3 defeat to the Tunisians at Mavuso Sports Centre.

The capital city giants, who are currently second on the charts in Group D, hope to avoid defeat to remain in pursuit of a historic quarter-final berth.  Coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati rallied his troops to remain positive. Swallows have lost two key players in attacking midfielder Felix Badenhorst and shot-stopper Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza to South Africa’s Mbombela United. Defender Sifiso Mabila and striker Simanga Shongwe are also said to have missed the trip.

After the depletion effects to the squad, they were quick to bring on board replacements headlined by Nigeria-born talisman Aladeon Kola. After a tug-of-war between Manzini Wanderers and Swallows over the gifted forward’s signature, the player will be ready to take to the field of play tonight following a High Court ruling on Monday. Kola’s name now appears on the list of players registered by Swallows on the official CAF website alongside fellow acquisition Siboniso Ndzabandzaba from Tambuti.

It is a mammoth task, as the red and white ensemble are in chase of a first win against a North African country. They are forced to look over their shoulders by other group rivals in Club Desportivo of Angola and Zambia’s Zesco, who are just two points behind in the race to finish second.  They meet in an earlier fixture at 5pm today. A win by either Zesco or Club Desportivo will leave Swallows in a precarious position if they do not get at least a point in Tunisia.

For Etoile, they are presented with an opportunity to secure a CAF Champions League quarter-finals place with two games to spare. They are currently three points clear at the top, thanks to strikes by Kari Aouadhi, Maher Hannachi and Amine Chermiti in the last outing against Swallows. The 2007 Champions League winners have dominated what has been dubbed the weakest group from match day one.
With all the pressure on the home side, Swallows have reasons to believe they can cause an upset and grind the result on the road.

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