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FIVE-STAR ‘BIRDS’ OUTCLASS MALANTI

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(At Mavuso Sports Centre)

Malanti.....................................(1)1
Thokozani 33rd
Swallows.................................(2)5
‘TT’ 3rd, 72nd, Felix 13th, 46th, Richard 75th

MANZINI – Good things come to those who wait. This old adage held true for giants Mbabane Swallows who ended their win-less streak by thrashing a lacklustre Malanti Chiefs by 5-1 yesterday.

With only two points in their three opening games, Swallows, inspired by brace heroes, Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze and midfielder Felix Badenhorst, were eager to turn the corner at the expense of the struggling gold and black ensemble in the one-sided MTN Premier League clash played at Mavuso Sports Centre.


Despite welcoming their key players who include speedy winger Sihle Ndaba and lanky midfielder Sandile ‘Theo’ Motsa, the hosts were far from convincing. Things could have been worse for the home side if Swallows converted their countless chances that were over a dozen.

The red and white outfit’s skipper, who played one of his best games this season, led by example on the day, unsettling the opposition with a wondrous strike from 25 yards when the game was three minutes old. On-loan Swallows goalkeeper Mbongeni Motsa could only dive in vain.
Malanti’s defence looked to be at sixes and sevens and it was no surprise when Swallows doubled their advantage through Badenhorst, who received a Sandile Hlatjwako through-pass 10 minutes later.


Swallows were still in the ascendancy towards the half hour mark even though Hlatjwako’s finishing left much to be desired.
Against the run of play, Malanti launched a quick attack and South Africa-born midfielder Thokozani Khanyile intercepted a long pass from fellow countryman Vusi Mashinini from the edge of the box to reduce the deficit in the 33rd minute.


The strike somehow put the visitors under a little bit of pressure but the latter enjoyed the narrow lead at the break.
Swallows started the deciding half like the opening period and immediately won a free kick outside the box just a minute after the restart. Badenhorst curled it beautifully to give his team a two-goal cushion again while bagging his first brace in the new season.

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