Broken ‘Birds’!

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

Swallows………(1)1

Njongo 37^th

Nsingizini……..(2)3

Mbhobho 12^th+79^th, Quality 39^th

LOBAMBA – In a high-intensity physical battle that lived up to its billing, Mbabane Swallows suffered a bruising 3-1 defeat at the hands of Nsingizini Hotspurs.

 The walk of shame for the capital city giants yesterday was a stark contrast to the celebratory mood in the Nsingizini camp, as the visitors cemented their position at the top of the MTN Premier League.

The Somhlolo National Stadium, Eswatini’s spiritual home of football, hosted this round 20 clash before a sizeable crowd. It marked the first league match at the venue this season, following approval from the Sports Ministry, despite a steep E10 000 booking fee.

Under cold skies, the stakes were clear: This was a fight for the ‘Birds’’ moniker and vital league points.

Nsingizini arrived with vengeance on their minds. Having lost the first-round encounter  by 1-0 on January 17 —a result that soured their E120 000 ‘carrot’ award celebrations—they were determined to settle the score. Notably, this was the last time Swallows won a league match. For Swallows, the mission was survival; with relegation looming, maximum points were a necessity. Instead, reality struck hard. The defeat leaves Swallows in peril on 24 points, while Nsingizini soar to 44 points at the summit.

The match was a tactical and physical war of attrition. Two Swallows players Njongo Mazibuko and Mancoba Vilakati were ferried off with serious injuries, leading to post-match tensions where officials exchanged heated words. Mazibuko broke his leg in a nasty collision with defender Kingsley Kwayki. On the pitch, however, Mandla Qhogi’s Nsingizini made their intentions known early. While Swallows’ Thandolwethu ‘Mshina’ Sihlongonyane initially thwarted Senzo ‘Mbhobho’ Ndlovu, the deadlock did not last long.

*Full article available on Pressreader*