FOUR-MIDABLE ‘BIRDS’ BURST SISONKHE BUBBLES

SITEKI – Back to winning ways, and the race for the E100 000 first-round carrot is well and truly alive!

That is the electrifying tale of Mbabane Swallows, who have risen from their ashes after midweek 1-0 defeat to Royal Leopard. Not only have they shaken off three winless matches, but they now find themselves in contention for the E100 000 first round prize, with two games left to play in the first half of the season.

Their 4-0 triumph over Sisonkhe is a magnificent display of their revival. Yet, this victory is particularly intriguing; Sisonkhe had beaten Moneni Pirates just last weekend, a team that previously held the upper hand against the Swallows. In a dramatic twist, Pirates also brought Green Mamba’s reign to a halt with another 1-0 win this weekend, setting the stage for a thrilling five-horse race for the first-round carrot. Currently, Leopard leads with 25 points, closely shadowed by Green Mamba, who also sit on 25 but with a head-to-head disadvantage. Swallows are in third with 23 points, Nsingizini Hotspurs on 22 and Young Buffaloes trailing with 17 with a game in hand.

The most likely candidates for the first round title appear to be Green Mamba, Leopard, or Swallows. Green Mamba must navigate their way past both Leopard and Highlanders, while Leopard faces Green Mamba and Manzini Sea Birds. Swallows, for their part, will need to triumph over Buffaloes and Illovo to secure their chance. As for the match itself, the ‘Birds’ have been navigating choppy waters without their Head Coach, Caleb Ngwenya, who is alleged reportedly owed E100 000 in MTN Premier League winning bonus. Assistant coach Nsindiso Gama stepped up to lead the side for this encounter for the second match.

From the off, Swallows exhibited their intent; Mancoba ‘Nciba’ Vilakati nearly opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, but his tap-in from a Biko Sibandze cross sailed agonisingly over the bar. It was Sandile Hlatjwako who finally broke the deadlock, heading home from a Newman Philiso free-kick just two minutes before the half-hour mark, expertly flicking the ball beyond goalkeeper Thembelihle Malaza. 

The reigning champions, missing Captain Kingsley Kwakyi due to yellow card rule, doubled their lead just before the break, with Sibandze tapping in from a Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula cross, provoking joyous celebrations among the over 100 Swallows supporters who sang and cheered passionately despite a modest turnout. Sibandze completed his brace in a manner reminiscent of Manchester City's Phil Foden, displaying exquisite control before unleashing a thunderous volley into the top right corner just three minutes after the restart, leaving the goalkeeper gasping in disbelief. 

Sisonkhe’s Melusi Mkhwanazi nearly pulled one back for the visitors, but Bongiswa ‘Romario’ Dlamini who received a deserved national team call-up produced a spectacular save five minutes from time. The Gama-led charges capped off their resounding performance with a fourth goal, as ‘Karas’ latched onto a defence-splitting pass from Nhlanhla Ngwenya, rounded the last defender and coolly slotted the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. 

Man of the Match:

Biko Sibandze – M. Swallows

He was an absolute delight to watch from the flanks, showcasing skill and poise. On the ball, he was confident, and his strikes were on target, netting a brace in the process. If he continues to perform at this level, a call-up to the national team could surely follow.

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