‘BIRDS’ FLY LOW, MAMBA ON TOP

Sea Birds............... (1)1
Mpendulo 68th
Swallows...............(0)1
Sandile 90th
MANZINI – Mbabane Swallows’ search for their first MTN Premier League victory of 2025 continues. The capital city giants, who are eight points adrift of the top spot, stared defeat in the face before veteran forward Sandile Hlatjwako came from the bench to rescue a point in a dramatic 1-1 draw against the steadily improving Manzini Sea Birds at Mavuso Sports Ground, yesterday. The tightly-contested MTN Premier League match began on a sombre note, with a moment of silence observed in honour of the late Rangers Physical Trainer, Isaac Ndlangamandla, who used to be an assistant at Young Buffaloes.

Coming into the match before a roaring crowd of over 2 500, Swallows were desperate to end their winless run, which stretched back to December 14, 2024, when they thrashed Illovo 4-0. Manzini Sea Birds, on the other hand, sought to build momentum following their narrow 1-0 victory over Sisonkhe in their last outing. The opening half was a tense affair, with both sides showing clear intent but lacking a finishing touch. Swallows’ Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula came close in the 29th  minute with a well-taken free kick from 23 yards out, forcing a brilliant save from Sea Birds goalkeeper Lindani Mtsetfwa. Sea Birds responded with a similar opportunity for Philani Mkhonto, but neither side could break the deadlock before the interval. Despite some promising build-up play, the goalkeepers remained largely untroubled as the half ended goalless.

The second half saw Swallows make an attacking change, introducing Green Mamba loanee Kwenzokuhle ‘Ndoye’ Khumalo in an attempt to inject some much-needed firepower. However, it was Sea Birds who struck first, capitalising on their persistent pressure. Mpendulo Tfomo rose highest in the 68th minute to meet a pinpoint Sibusiso Dlamini corner, powering in a thunderous header that left Swallows fans stunned. Adding to the visitors’ woes, Swallows lost the lively ‘Karas’ Magagula to injury after a crude tackle, further dampening their hopes of a comeback. Sea Birds looked poised to claim all three points, defending resolutely as Swallows struggled to find a way back into the game.

Hero

Just as the match seemed to be slipping away, veteran forward Hlatjwako emerged as the hero for Swallows. In the dying moments of stoppage time, he latched onto a Mancoba ‘Nciba’ Vilakati cross, nodding home the equaliser to salvage a point for the visitors. The dramatic finish sparked wild celebrations among Swallows supporters, who had endured a tense 90 minutes. While the late goal provided a moment of relief for Swallows, the result means they remain winless in the league in 2025 after three attempts. The draw will feel like a missed opportunity for Manzini Sea Birds, who had done enough to win but were undone by a lack of concentration in the final moments.

Swallows, who boast a proud record in this fixture – including a 7-2 demolition of Sea Birds last season – will need to regroup quickly as their quest for a first league victory of the year continues. For Sea Birds, the performance highlighted their steady improvement, and they will take heart from the fact that they came so close to a memorable win. Meanwhile, in other results, Green Mamba cruised to a 3-0 win over strugglers Sisonkhe to claim top spot while Moneni are cruising following a fourth straight win in the league and sixth in all competitions. They beat Sidwashini 2-0 yesterday.

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