HAT-TRICK FOR TONY IN ‘BIRDS’ WIN

Manzini – Like wine, he matures with time, that’s Mbabane Swallows Captain Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze who scored a hat-trick to help his team beat helpless Milling Hot Spurs 4-0 in a one-sided game in the MTN Premier League.

Swallows are chasing leaders Royal Leopard and Young Buffaloes in the elite league title. They closed the gap to four points behind defending champions Young Buffaloes who are second having played more games. The game started on a high note with Swallows pushing for an early goal, no wonder in the first five minutes the marauding Tony was brought down just outside the box and he got up to take the set piece. He brilliantly took the shot at goal and the ball rested in the far corner of the net, leaving Hot Spurs Goalkeeper Mlungisi Mamba sprawling on the turf.

troublesome

Milling Hot Spurs were close on equalising after the troublesome Bandile Shongwe won a set piece for the host team; Lwazi Bhembe’s shot went some few inches over the bar with Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza beaten. Hot Spurs continued to search for the equaliser and in the 17th minute won their first corner, which Lwazi Bhembe headed wide. Swallows played nice touches which were initiated by Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu in the belly of the park. A Sanele Mkweli gift wrapped cross missed the heads of the Mbabane Swallows players and went out to be a throw ball.

Meanwhile, Milling Hot Spurs missed another golden opportunity, three minutes before the half hour mark, when Siboniso Gamedze’s lame shot inside the box was easily collected by Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza. Mbabane Swallows right back Sifiso Mabila’s effort went over after cutting nice into the box on the right flank. A golden scoring opportunity fell on Sandile Hlatjwako in the 41st, but the lanky striker dilly dallied with the ball inside the box and the ball was cleared by Hot Spurs defenders for safety. The game went for a breather with the ‘Birds’ enjoying a slender lead.

equaliser

The second half saw, Milling pushing hard for an equaliser and their effort almost paid off, when Bandile Shongwe’s header in the 56th minute was saved by ‘Nkomishi’.  Swallows took the game beyond Milling’s reach when Tony converted a penalty in the 60th minute. Substitute Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala missed what looked to be a goal after a nice cross from James Nguluve.  Milling continued to search for a goal, but the rock solid Mbabane Swallows defence stood their ground. ‘Nunu’ eventually scored in the 75th minute after a cross was delivered from the left flank. Mbabane Swallows were now enjoying much ball possession with the likes of Leon Manyisa and Banele Sikhondze pulling strings in the middle of the park. Mbabane Swallows coach, Christopher Ennin rested ‘Nkomishi’ for Qiniso Nyawo, who made a brilliant save from a Mthokosizi Dlamini’s powerful shot just outside the box. Tony’s 88th minute header proved to be the final nail in Hot Spurs’ coffin.

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