‘BIRDS’ MAKE IT 7 IN A ROW

MANZINI –  A lone strike by former Eswatini international Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst proved to be a difference for Mbabane Swallows, as they ended Moneni Pirates’ unbeaten run here yesterday.

The result in the lukewarm MTN Premier League game played at a nearly-packed Mavuso Sports Centre further ensured the visitors recorded a seventh straight league win over the hosts on top of remaining unbeaten this term to stay in the hunt for the E100 000 first round carrot. The last time the Moneni ‘Buccaneers’ avoided defeat in this fixture was back on May 19, 2019 and it was a goalless draw. The last six fixtures before yesterday’s match-up had ended in Swallows’ favour.

Coaster Magongo’s men had themselves to blame, as they ensured the pendulum swung in their favour at some point, only to stutter when they needed to pull the trigger. Both sides had started slow, with Pirates suffering an early setback when the enterprising Siphosethu ‘Mjovo’ Mlotsa was stretchered off the field with a head injury inside 10 minutes. However, the visitors slowly crawled back to the game, with ‘Fela’ and Nhlanhla Ngwenya asking the questions.

Decisions

When referee Thokozani Dlamini, whose decisions were unpopular with the capital city giants’ supporters signalled for the breather, both goalkeepers were untroubled. On resumption of play, Swallows sacrificed the inexperienced Ayanda Gadlela for veteran winger Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko to add more firepower upfront. Like in the opening period, Pirates were not to be outdone with a good interchange of passes. However, it was Swallows who almost found the breakthrough against the run of play, only for Mutanda Bashiri’s effort from close range to be ruled out for offside in the hour mark. Swallows were relentless in their pursuit for the opener, with Pirates goalkeeper Felizwe Vilakati pulling up a great one-handed save to wipe to safety Bashiri’s strong header from inside the box in the 68th minute.

Roaring

However, the roaring red and white’s ensemble loyalists did not wait forever for the opener and ‘Fela’ eventually pounced as he fired a low shot past a forest of legs in the box. Pirates stuttered in clearing their lines 15 minutes from time. The goal sucked the energy out of the hosts while Swallows eventually sacrificed the goalscorer for the defence-minded Thabo Vilakati to protect the lead. At the end, Swallows held onto the narrow win to grind the result on the road to ensure they remained in pursuit for their first league title since 2018/season. For Pirates, it is back to the drawing board in their bid to keep the chasing pack in sight.

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