HAIL MAJESTIC MILLIONAIRES!

LOBAMBA – Remember the name - Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa.

The Green Mamba marksman’s unanswered strike from the penalty spot ensured his side ascended to the podium to be crowned champions of the Ingwenyama Cup by His Majesty King Mswati III again, ahead of three-time champions Mbabane Swallows. The curtain fell on a spectacular finale, which was again punctuated with culture competitions finals, before a roaring crowd of over 7 000 at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday.  Despite playing the last 14 minutes of the game with 10 men, after goalkeeper Xolani Gama was sent off for a moment of madness, the green and white ensemble claimed the title before thousands of disbelieving supporters of the visiting outfit. As rain bucketed down the water-logged pitch, Swallows saw their hopes of a first major title since 2018 washed away.

pendulum

Just when it looked like the pendulum was swinging the visitors’ way during the early exchanges, wheels came off in the 13th minute. Veteran forward Sandile Hlatjwako who plays at full-back of late, towed ‘Sikhali’ to the ground inside the box and Referee Letticia Viana did not hesitate to point to the spot. ‘Sikhali’ dusted himself off to convert the resultant spot kick with precision in the 15th minute and took his tally for the tournament to seven to top the charts. He is now E10 000 richer. The heavy pitch due to the rain restricted fast flowing football, as the ball got stuck. Chances were far and few between during the opening exchanges, with Swallows only closest to restoring parity from a botched Sibongakonkhe Silenge clearance. The latter almost scored an own goal before goalkeeper Xolani Gama came to his rescue in the 37th minute. A minute later, defender Banele ‘Makonese’ Dlamini made an excellent clearance from the goal line to preserve the 1-0 lead heading to the break.

In true final style, the match was punctuated with drama. The players wrestled for the goal posts before the resumption of play. There was more drama inside the field, as Swallows enterprising midfielder  Leon Manyisa initially refused to be sacrificed for speedy winger Siyabonga Zwane in the 57th minute, before reluctantly taking the order two minutes later. He wept uncontrollably as he marched straight to the dressing room. Swallows resorted to; route one football at some point, in search of the equaliser, while Green Mamba were just content with keeping the backdoor shut. Then 14 minutes from time came with a ridiculous moment. Already on a yellow card, goalkeeper Gama delayed in restarting play.

He left a ball inside the penalty area and opted for a one behind his goal post. Referee Viana did not hesitate to send him off in the 76th minute. Midfielder Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu was substituted for reserve goalkeeper Siyabonga Simelane. The impressive duo of Kwakhe Thwala and Ayanda ‘Gandaganda’ Gadlela were the last throw the dice for the away side, but Green Mamba held on to the narrow 1-0 to maintain dominance over Swallows, winning three times in four meetings this season.

consolation

The E530 000 runners-up prize was not enough consolation for the players, who buried their heads in the ground in sheer disappointment when proceedings were brought to a halt. For Green Mamba, it was total excitement as they also qualified for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) second-tier tournament. The tournament is styled CAF Confederation Cup.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: