SIDWASHINI FRUSTRATE LOW-FLYING SWALLOWS

BUHLENI - Surprise!

In a tense MTN Premier League clash at the sun-drenched Mkhuzweni Technical Centre just outside Buhleni yesterday, reigning champions Mbabane Swallows were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Sidwashini United. The result leaves both sides frustrated, with Swallows missing an opportunity to close the gap on the top three, while Sidwashini inched slightly closer to survival in their battle against relegation.
Both teams came into the match desperate for a response, following disappointing results in their previous outings. Fourth-placed Swallows, still reeling from a shock 0-2 defeat to Ezulwini United, fielded a largely unchanged side, though they remained without their suspended playmaker Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula. Meanwhile, Sidwashini United, who had suffered a 4-1 hammering at the hands of the in-form Manzini Sea Birds, started the encounter with the weight of a winless streak in 2025 hanging over them.

The first half saw Swallows dominating possession and creating the better chances, but a lack of clinical finishing proved their downfall. In the 40th minute, Biko Sibandze squandered a golden opportunity, heading a Mancoba ‘Nciba’ Vilakati cross narrowly wide. Moments later, Sidwashini capitalised on a rare foray forward and it was William Kunene who silenced the home crowd.

His low, powerful shot from close range ricocheted off the woodwork and into the net, giving the visitors a shock lead against the run of play. The goal highlighted Swallows’ defensive frailties, a recurring issue in their campaign this season.
Trailing 0-1 at half-time, Swallows introduced the returning Sizolethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala, who had been sidelined for over three months due to injury. The substitution paid dividends almost immediately, as Swallows drew level within 30 seconds of the restart.  Sibandze made amends for his earlier miss, slotting the ball through a crowded penalty area to restore parity. The goal injected life into the home side, but their momentum soon fizzled out as Sidwashini regrouped defensively.

Swallows pushed for a winner in the dying stages, but Sidwashini goalkeeper Sandile ‘Onyango’ Dlamini proved the difference-maker. The veteran shot-stopper made two incredible saves late on, the first, a brilliant one-handed effort to deny ‘Nciba’ from close range.

Moments later, he thwarted substitute Sandile Hlatjwako’s delicate chip, preserving the draw and earning his side a crucial point. The draw leaves Mbabane Swallows about 10 points adrift of the league leaders, with their hopes of finishing in the top four starting to look increasingly precarious.

For Sidwashini, the result offers a glimmer of hope, as they continue their fight for survival, with fellow relegation candidates still within reach. However, with just one league win since November of last year, they must quickly find a way to turn draws into victories to secure their top flight status.

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