IN-SPEAR-ING ‘BIRDS’ THRASH ’LANDERS AGAIN

BY STANLEY KHUMALO AND NOSIPHO SHONGWE

Swallows................................. (2)3
Sibusiso Dlamini 8th (OG), ‘Sikhali’40th, 63rd
Highlanders............................ (1)2
‘Chocco’ 45th, Sabela 71st

LOBAMBA – A brace by Mbabane Swallows burly forward Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa steered his side to the top of the standings following a 3-2 win over sworn rivals, Mbabane Highlanders yesterday.

Having cruised to a 3-1 win in the Castle Premier Challenge semi-final second leg about a fortnight ago, the red and white capital city giants, inspired by the Sihlangu striker, pierced the visiting supporters’ hearts during a five-goal thriller in the MTN Premier League grand opening clash at an almost packed Somhlolo National Stadium to celebrate an early season double.

The goal-shy Highlanders, who are still trying to recover from the setback that saw them losing about half  a dozen players at the beginning of the campaign, ‘had brought a knife to a gunfight’ against the opposition who attacked in waves.

However, Meck Mwase’s charges, who gave Sidumo Vilakati a nod between the sticks after he was dropped in the last fixture, looked adventurous during the early exchanges until slim-built defender Sibusiso Dlamini drove the ball past his own goalkeeper after failing to deal with a deceptive Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko cross from the right wing when the game was eight minutes old.

Swallows, who were also forced to tamper with the back four following the absence of red-carded left-back, Sanele Mkhweli, were in the ascendancy towards the half-hour mark but had to wait until the 40th minute to double their tally
Ndzinisa headed home a flicked Sandile Hlatshwako header after the jittery opposition defence was caught napping.

However, the travelling supporters, who were enduring a disastrous opening period, had something to smile about after skipper Xolani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze reduced the deficit with an exquisite free-kick from outside the box on the stroke of half-time. Two forced substitutions during the resumption of play following the injury of centre-back Baimba Kamara and midfielder Sibusiso Mkhonta, headlined the visitors’ deciding period.  Swallows, who had started on the front foot, restored their two-goal cushion just after the hour mark as ‘Sikhali’ sliced through the defence, leaving full-back Vukile Khumalo for dead before firing the ball into the net.

Nonetheless, Highlanders were rewarded for their fortitude as they responded again just when Swallows supporters were welcoming returning forward Mike Mohammed, who replaced captain Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze’ in the 70th minute.  Mohammed Sabela combined well with Sibusiso Thwala to punish the fast asleep Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati-led side’s defence.

For a moment the hosts had ants in their pants but it did not matter as the damage had been done. The sound of referee Mbongiseni Fakudze’s final whistle saw the home team jumping to the summit of the standings on better goals scored following a flawless start in the opening two matches. Highlanders, with only a point collected in the goal-less draw with Red Lions in the opener, had reasons to be wary as they were on four points during the same time last season.

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