‘BIRDS’ TWO-GOOD FOR SEA ‘BIRDS’

M.Swallows..................(0)2
Biko 53rd, Melusi 85th
M.Sea Birds..................(0)0

BIG BEND – Simply too good!

In an ironic twist, one might succinctly sum up Mbabane Swallows’ 2-0 triumph over Manzini Sea Birds during an MTN Premier League clash, witnessed by an exuberant crowd of over 600 supporters amid the sweltering heat in Big Bend, with the phrase: ‘they were just two good’. This assertion becomes particularly apt as Swallows not only secured their second successive league victory, but also reaffirmed their prowess with a decisive 2-0 win against the Friday Myeni-led side yesterday.

Earlier in the week, Coach Caleb Ngwenya’s team narrowly edged out Ezulwini United 1-0, courtesy of a stunning free-kick from Captain Kwakhe Thwala. The momentum generated from these performances was further fuelled by the contributions of new signings Biko Sibandze and Melusi Dlamini, who registered their names on the scorers chart. For the capital city giants, this victory is a crucial stepping stone as they grapple with a backlog of games, following their engagements in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) competition, notably their recent encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns on September 21. Swallows find themselves in third place with six points after two games, in hot pursuit of the leaders Green Mamba, who lead with seven points.

The defending champions remain unbeaten and boast a commendable clean sheet. In contrast, Sea Birds’ defeat relegated them to the 10th position with a mere three points.
This victory underscores Swallows’ dominance over Sea Birds in recent years. The latter’s last win against Swallows dates back to 2013, a stark reminder of the shifting tides in Eswatini football. As the match commenced, it unfolded as a tightly contested affair, with both teams delivering commendable performances.  However, the first half concluded with both sides locked at 0-0. The hosts came tantalisingly close to finding the net, with Siyabonga Zwane and Ayanda Gadlela squandering gilt-edged opportunities inside the half-hour mark.
Upon the resumption of play, the hosts intensified their pressure, and their persistence bore fruit just eight minutes into the last half.

Sibandze became the architect of the breakthrough, deftly converting a corner kick taken by Thwala, sending the ball past former Swallows keeper Ntokozo Shabangu and igniting jubilation among the Swallows’ faithfuls. Sea Birds nearly equalised when Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza unleashed a powerful shot with 17 minutes remaining, only to watch in dismay as it soared over the crossbar when he could have easily beat keeper Bongiswa Dlamini.  Gadlela had yet another golden chance to extend the lead, finding himself one-on-one with Shabangu only to see his volley veer inches wide of the post 15 minutes before full-time.

The introduction of Leon Manyisa in the second half proved pivotal. Brought on as a substitute for Phiwokuhle Shabangu, Manyisa delivered a beautifully curling cross, skilfully evading an opposing defender, which Melusi Dlamini confidently headed home with aplomb, five minutes before the final whistle.

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