Football

MBABANE – Manzini Sea Birds face an anxious finish to the season.

First-choice goalkeeper Lindani ‘Kitso’ Mtsetfwa was ruled out with a groin injury, leaving the club with only one fit shot-stopper.

For the past two matches, Ntokozo Shabangu has carried the responsibility between the posts without a substitute goalkeeper on the bench. He stepped in after Mtsetfwa, who has been a key figure for Izinyoni Zolwandle throughout most of the campaign, was sidelined by club medics. Mtsetfwa last featured for Sea Birds in their 3-2 victory over Ezulwini United.

A groin injury affects the muscles and tendons around the inner thigh and can severely limit movement, acceleration and kicking ability, all of which are crucial attributes for a goalkeeper.

Sea Birds Public Relations Officer (PRO) Thamie Cebe confirmed that Mtsetfwa would miss the remainder of the season.

“He is out for the rest of this season. Ntokozo needs game time because he has been off the pitch for a long period. He will perform better in the remaining games,” Cebe said.

Despite the setback, the Sea Birds PRO remains optimistic about the club’s chances of holding onto second place in the league standings. The Manzini outfit currently sit on 51 points after 27 matches.

“We need to win two games and play out a draw in order to maintain second position,” he added.

A second-place finish would earn Izinyoni Zolwandle a lucrative E550 000 payday. Earlier this season, Mtsetfwa played a pivotal role in helping the club secure E225 000 after reaching the semi-finals of the Ingwenyama Cup, sponsored by the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF). They were also eliminated in the semi-finals of the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup.

Manzini Sea Birds injured shot-stopper Lindani ‘Kitso’ Mtsetfwa. (R) Manzini Sea Birds goalkeeper Ntokozo Shabangu. (Pics: Nimrod Hlophe)