‘Birds’, Mamba in drab draw

(At Mavuso Sports Centre)

Swallows………………(0)0

Green Mamba………(0)0

MANZINI – Despite a flurry of late openings and high-stakes drama, capital city giants Mbabane Swallows and Green Mamba ultimately cancelled each other out in a frustrating goalless draw at the Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday.

In a repeat of the 2023/24 scoreline, Swallows entered this fixture desperate to arrest a two-game slump. Their last taste of victory came nearly a month ago on January 17, a narrow 1-0 win over Nsingizini Hotspurs. This latest stalemate leaves ‘Umkhonto KaShaka’ level on 23 points with their next opponents Royal Leopard, as their mid-season drought continues. Green Mamba, meanwhile, moved to 27 points but recorded their own second consecutive winless outing ahead of a clash with the revamped Amawele.

The contest served as the opening act of a double-header under overcast skies, played out before a respectable crowd that included Prince Sicalo, Prince Mavela and Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima.

Swallows’ tactician Caleb ‘No Nonsense’ Ngwenya lived up to his moniker, ringing the changes following last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Tabankulu Celtics. Seasoned shot-stopper Sandanezwe Mathabela returned to the starting XI in place of Bongiswa ‘Romario’ Dlamini, while veteran defender Mandla Palma stepped in for the suspended Ncomo Gina.

Green Mamba Coach Bongani Mhlongo also tweaked his line-up, handing Mphumuzo Sangweni a start in place of Bongi Siphepho following their recent 2-0 loss to league leaders Nsingizini Hotspurs.

The match began at a frantic pace. Green Mamba winger Njabulo ‘Magwegwe’ Magagula looked to provide for target man Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa early on, only to find Swallows’ Mozambican centre-back Celso Chauchane in uncompromising form.

At the other end, Inyok’eluhlazane keeper Siyabonga Simelane produced an inspired display, comfortably gathering a goal-bound effort from Njongo Mazibuko. The visitors nearly broke the deadlock when Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu rose to meet a Sikhali flick-on, but his header drifted agonisingly wide of Mathabela’s post.

Even a brief, sharp downpour that sent spectators scurrying for cover could not dampen the intensity on the pitch. Mathabela was called into action again to spare Ayanda Tfwala’s blushes after a poor clearance allowed Colani ‘Gimah’ Dlamini a sight of goal.

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