‘SAMBA-JIVE’ SCORES ON RETURN

BIG BEND - Capital City giants Mbabane Swallows are back to winnings ways after beating Tambuti 3-0 in a league encounter here yesterday.

The Swallows of Mbabane were inspired by Wonder ‘Samba-Jive’ Nhleko. The arguably oldest player (39-year-old) in the league was thought to have retired following that on a number of league games he was seen with the technical bench. However, coach Christopher Ennin clarified that Nhleko has not retired and was only out because of a preseason injury which led him to miss the red and white’s nine league games. He was only available for selection this past weekend against Mbabane Highlanders but did not feature in the derby. Also registering their names on the scorers chart were Simanga Shongwe and Enzo Motsa, who both scored in the first half.

The ‘Beautiful Birds’ triumph was more like what the doctor had ordered for a patient following playing two draws (against Sea Birds and Mbabane Highlanders) and forfeiting three to Royal Leopard. The victory ignited Swallows’ chances of claiming the E350 000 carrot following the log leaders, Young Buffaloes’ 0-2 loss to Highlanders at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium yesterday. A difference of four points separated the log leaders with fourth placed Swallows. For Tambuti the loss was like a bitter pill to swallow as they had their fair chances especially in the opening stanza. Despite that they have never beaten Swallows in the past seven league meetings; they should have done better, at least a point at home. They are now perched on the 10th spot with 11 points, dropping two places after the loss. The hosts should have been leading in the sixth minute but Addy Paa Kwesi’s weak shot was easily saved by Sandanezwe Mathabela.

Roy Mamba should have done better two minutes later but he dragged his feet until he was dispossessed when the easiest option was to volley the ball into the net when he was not marked inside the box. The visitors punished them a minute later. It was a move orchestrated by Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze against the run of play which exposed Tambuti’s defence. ‘TT’ defence splitting pass found Enzo Motsa on the left flank and the latter did not waste time but delivered a timely cross.

Bulky striker Simanga Shongwe was well positioned and he tapped in from close range beating Mlungisi Nxumalo across the sticks. Five minute later, goal provided by Motsa also registered his name on the scorers chart after he unleashed a ground shot at the edge of the box. The ball went straight to the far right corner, with the goalkeeper well beaten. The game went into the breather with the visitors leading 2-0.

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