Mini-scuffle in battle of the ‘Birds’

(At Prince of Wales Sports Ground)

Mb. Swallows….1

‘Nunu’ 77^th

M. Sea Birds…..2

Khaya 45+2, Kibonge 66^th

MBABANE – There was a mini-scuffle yesterday as Manzini Sea Birds defeated Mbabane Swallows 2-1 for the first time in the MTN Premier League.

With 10 minutes remaining on the clock and Swallows trailing the ropes, a heated confrontation erupted behind the Sea Birds’ goalpost. Some officials from both camps and a section of the fans clashed over unsubstantiated allegations. The standoff lasted about three minutes and did not disturb the flow of the game.

The tension prompted a swift response from the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) as it looked to escalate beyond the control of a mixture of security personnel; security guards, marshals and community police. Police swiftly deployed three vans to monitor the situation very closely until the tensions evaporated.

On the pitch, ‘Izinyoni Zolwandle’ ensured the calendar year ended on a bitter note for the capital city giants. This was Sea Birds’ first triumph over Swallows since 2013. The win saw ‘Umkhonto KaShaka’ plummet to 10^th place in the standings. They were leapfrogged by both Moneni Pirates and cross-town rivals Mbabane Highlanders.

 ‘Izinyoni Zolwandle’ handed the ‘Birds’ a bitter end to the year courtesy of goals from Khaya Dlamini and Joseph Kibonge. The capital city giants then responded through Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala.

In contrast, Friday Myeni’s charges have cemented their second spot. The win moved them level with leaders Nsingizini Hotspurs on 25 points. The Shiselweni-based will face Sisonkhe today in their week 13 match.  The win also meant the Manzini side remain in the hunt for the E120 000 first-round incentive as it hangs on a knife edge with two games spare.

Swallows started the brighter of the two sides, asking all the questions in the opening 10 minutes. Njongo ‘Jakalazi’ Mazibuko forced two saves in quick succession, while Newman Philiso saw a set-piece narrowly miss the target.

However, Sea Birds soon found their rhythm, with Mandla Palma and Celco Chaune kept busy by a relentless high press. Just as it seemed the sides would go into the break level, Sea Birds drew first blood in stoppage time. Dlamini rose highest to nod home a pinpoint cross from Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto.

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