‘Ndoye’ hands ‘Birds’ 2nd league defeat

(At Mavuso Sports Centre)

M. Swallows……0

Ezulwini Utd…..1

Ndoye 25^th (P)

MANZINI – Ezulwini United handed capital city giants Mbabane Swallows a 0–1 defeat in a fiercely-contested clash yesterday.

This result came during their MTN Premier League Week 5 fixture, staged at the Mavuso Sports Centre before a sizable crowd of spectators. With each game, the announcement of this season’s first-round carrot winners—guaranteed E120 000—draws nearer.

Swallows’ pacey striker Njongo Mazibuko missed a good chance early in the match, as Ezulwini United’s shot-stopper and Captain, Siyabonga Magagula, comfortably held the ball. Near the 20^th minute, ‘Umkhonto KaShaka’ skipper Newman ‘Strong’ Philiso fired his effort off target.

Ezulwini’s seasoned forward Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini failed to convert a clear goal in the 23^rd minute. However, his teammates and coach overlooked that mistake as they broke the deadlock two minutes later. Forward Kwenzokuhle ‘Ndoye’ Khumalo confidently marched forward and assumed the role of taking the penalty shot. His lofty kick left Swallows’ experienced goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela dejected, visibly murmuring words of disappointment. Swallows defender Mandla Palma had committed the blunder inside the box, fouling Banele Nkambule.

Meanwhile, seven Swallows players were instructed to warm up just before referee Mciniseli Sithole signalled for a breather, as Caleb Ngwenya prepared to make replacements. The Stingers’ goalkeeper and defender Fakazi Dlamini swiftly cleared back-to-back balls as Milton Samuel looked to equalise. With that, the Musa Manyatsi-led side held a 1–0 advantage when Sithole finally allowed the half-time break.

Surprisingly, neither side spent more than seven minutes inside the dressing rooms during the breather. Both tacticians issued tactical instructions from their technical area.

Upon resumption of play, the Swallows duo of Samuel and Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula seemingly had their feet glued, unable to find the back of Simelane’s net. Despite being found shaking, the latter was able to stretch enough to grab the ball. Swallows pressed again in the 73^rd minute through substitute Tshamwinga, whose shot was held firm. Nevertheless, Ezulwini’s seasoned forward Musa ‘Mgololo’ Dlamini was saved by Mathabela three minutes later.

*Full article available in our publication