RELENTLESS ‘BIRDS’ SOAR HIGHER

MANZINI - Humdinger!Mbabane Swallows have maintained their perfect start at the expense of hoodoo side Green Mamba.

Swallows recruit Bongi Magagula’s lone wonder strike proved to be the difference in the crackerjack fixture played before a roaring crowd of over 3 000 at Mavuso Sports Centre, yesterday. While Swallows are celebrating five straight wins, Green Mamba’s unbeaten run came to an abrupt end. With both sides parading stars who send shudders down the spine of any opposition, the game expectedly started in blistering pace. It was Green Mamba who almost had their noses in front inside four minutes. Veteran winger Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo’s audacious attempt was parried into Mbongeni ‘Mshishi’ Magagula’s path but the latter blazed over the cross bar, with the goal at his mercy.

It was see-saw, with Gadlela missing a glorious opportunity from close range just before the half-hour mark. It was a physical game, with tackles flying in. In the opening period alone, almost a dozen fouls were committed. Swallows’ faithful screamed in disgust in almost all calls made by referee Celumusa Siphepho against their favourite side.

Clumsy

In the 34th Green Mamba centre-back Peter Dlamini committeed a clumsy challenge on Gadlela about 25 yards out. The former escaped with a yellow card. Deep into added time, Magagula let fly a rocket from the edge of the box to stretch goalkeeper Xolani Gama to the limit. It proved to be the last throw of the dice in the goalless half. Green Mamba introduced fresh legs in midfield. Khetho Mkhontfo and Njabulo Thwala came in for Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu and Njabulo ‘Magwegwe’ Magagula. Then came a dramatic moment when Sibongakonkhe Silenge hacked Magagula. Some Swallows officials stormed the field in protest and the game had to be be frozen for a moment. Swallows introduced the adventurous pair of ‘Nunu’ and Siyabonga Zwane, with Leon Manyisa and Karim Madja sacrificed.

In the 73rd minute, Swallows eventually found the breakthrough through Magagula who pulled a rabbit out of the hat with a stunner outside the box to send the home fans into frenzy.
There was chaos moments later, as a Green Mamba official, Lawrence ‘Tsiki Mncina, was attacked by the home fans while he walked on the synthetic track on the side of their stand. On-duty police officers were stretched to the limit in a bid to restore order, with a bruised Mncina needing urgent medical attention.  It was their first win in five attempts against Green Mamba in all competitions. The latter whose marksman Sikhali Ndzinisa was submerged, will have to pick up the pieces to remain in pursuit of the first round ‘carrot’.

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