‘WESLIANS’ SHOOT DOWN ‘BIRDS’

LOBAMBA – The sun set on MTN League defending champions Mbabane Swallows yesterday as their sworn rivals Manzini Wanderers put up a solid performance to come from behind and win 2-1.
Not only did Wanderers have the last laugh after a lot of off the field war of words between the two sides but they also dented the Umkhonto KaShaka, title hopes.

This was more so because leaders Royal Leopard who played their match two hours earlier before this crunch match beat Manzini Sundowns 2-0 to extend their lead at the summit to four points. Before an estimated over 2 000 crowd, Swallows started the game on top of things as the Weslians chased shadows and looked disoriented.
It was no surprise when Swallows took an early lead via the experienced boot of right winger Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko a minute into the game – it was such a rocket in front of goal just inside the area as he mercilessly finished off a rebound after a corner kick was half cleared!

With Wanderers starting with holding midfielders Vuyani ‘Mascherano’ Mazibuko in the middle and Sandile ‘Theo’ Motsa upfront, the Swallows’ defence were never threatened which saw the latter dominated in possession.
Seeing the ineffectiveness here, Wanderers’ coach Kenny Ndlazi made a tactical change pulling off Vuyani for striker Sidumo Shongwe – good decision as he immediately made an impact.
He was on target four minutes after coming on as he showed his predatory instincts, capitalising on the opposition defence’s failure to clear a ball into the area.

With the score line level, it was game on but Swallows suffered a blow when the best player on the pitch Samba Jive, was subbed due to injury with Darren ‘Dazza’ Christie coming in his place.
Sidumo then finished his brace for the Weslians in the 38th with a close range header from a well weighted right wing cross by Tawanda Chikuku who had been nicely spotted by troublesome winger Sifiso Matse.
Swallows were awarded a penalty by referee Simanga Nhleko at the stroke of half time after defender Elias Makako fouled midfielder Felix Badenhorst from behind inside the box.

However, trusted left winger and captain Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze was shocked as goalkeeper Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza dived the right way to punch it back into play before it was cleared for a corner kick.
He could have scored a hat trick but saw his six yard effort in a counter attack move with Tawanda deflected and miss target by inches. Right winger Sifiso Matse could have also scored but saw his effort blocked by goalkeeper Jim Knowledge for a fruitless corner kick.
The match ended with Swallows still pushing, even hitting the post on stoppage time but all in vain as the final whistle came, much to a huge roar of approval by Wanderers and Mbabane Highlanders supporters who shared a grandstand.

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