BIRDS SOAR, LOZITHA E105K RICHER

CK Survivors ....................(0) 0 
Mbabane Swallows ...........(2) 3 
Njongo 10th, Newman 28th,77th
MANZINI – They were simply sublime!
 Mbabane Swallows, despite missing two pivotal players—Kwakhe Thwala and Siphosethu Mabilisa—effortlessly glided into the quarter-finals of the prestigious Ingwenyama Cup, dispatching National First Division strugglers CK Survivors with a resounding 3-0 victory. The triumph was orchestrated by talented striker Njongo Mazibuko, who opened the scoring, along with a brace from Newman Philiso. However, it is worth noting that Thwala and Mabilisa have reportedly expressed their desire to leave the team, potentially seeking to join other sides. Under the astute guidance of Coach Sindiso Gama, Swallows now join seven other teams, including Royal Leopard, Young Buffaloes, Moneni Pirates, Manzini Sea Birds, Ezulwini United, Illovo and Lozitha Spurs. Each of these teams have already secured E75 000, while the eventual tournament victor will walk away with a staggering E1.45 million.

reward

These remaining clubs have also reached the financial reward stage as all quarter-finalists are guaranteed a bigger financial reward. Each of these clubs are assured of E75 000 for their accomplishment in this seventh edition of the E5 million-worth tournament, except for one club, Lozitha Spurs. The latter have got a bonus of E30 000 for being the best National First Division (NFD) finisher. This prize was contested for by the lower division and the Super League teams. In essence, Lozitha are now guaranteed E105 000 in total.
When the draw was conducted a week prior at the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) headquarters, pundits anticipated a challenging encounter for Swallows against CK Survivors.

However, as the match unfolded, it became apparent that the visitors were in complete command, dominating proceedings throughout the contest. The blue and white brigade commenced the match with fervour, breaking the deadlock just 10 minutes into the one-sided affair. Mazibuko deftly slotted the ball from the right flank, outwitting Survivors goalkeeper Njabulo Malinga at his near post to make it 1-0. Just two minutes before the half-hour mark, Philiso unleashed a thunderous strike from 40 yards, leaving the goalkeeper caught off guard and extending the lead to 2-0. A follow-up chance from Mancoba Vilakati could have further increased their advantage, but Philiso’s shot from inside the box was thwarted just before half-time.

In the second half, coach Gama opted for a tactical substitution, bringing on Sandile Hlatshwako for Biko Sibandze. Mazibuko narrowly missed out on a brace when his close-range effort was expertly saved by the Survivors’ goalkeeper in the 65th minute. With fresh legs injected into the attack, Mazibuko and Mlamuli Nkambule were replaced by Phiwokuhle Shabangu and Sithole Menzi in the 75th minute to bolster the offensive line.

converted

Shortly after, Nhlanhla Ngwenya was brought down in the box by Lungelo Khoza, and Philiso calmly converted the penalty in the 77th minute, solidifying the score at 3-0.
The hosts came close to finding the back of the net, but goalkeeper Bongiswa Dlamini made a spectacular save from Ciniso Maseko’s powerful shot in the 79th minute.
Swallows nearly made it 4-0, but Ngwenya’s tap-in was denied just 10 minutes before the final whistle.

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