‘FRAIL’ OSTRICHES CHASE HIGH-FLYING ‘BIRDS’

MBABANE – Record-breaking Mbabane Swallows are out to complete a double over visiting Botswana’s Orapa United in a decisive CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round second leg showdown this afternoon.

It is perfect platform for the capital city giants to ‘swallow’ their jinx in African football after failing to go past the first hurdle in all six attempts in the top-tier tournament styled CAF Champions League. Following a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture in the past week, the hosts will just need to keep their backdoor shut to progress to the first round to face Tanzania’s Azam FC Swallows’ confidence levels are expected to be sky high after avoiding defeat in their last four CAF matches at home.

Boasting a flawless season record that has seen them stretching their unbeaten run to 26, they are expected to soar higher on their usual ‘slaughter’ house. The timely recovery of burly forward, Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, and speedy winger, Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko, who scored away in Francistown, will give reputable gaffer, Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati, more options in attack.

Orapa United, who boast the highly-rated trio of Kemmy ‘Gweru’ Pilato, Patrick ‘Waka Waka’ Lenyeletse, Tendai ‘TN10’ Nyumasi, are digging an elephant’s grave with a teaspoon after allowing their opponents to score a precious away goal. 

They need to score at least two unanswered goals or record a 2-1 win to eliminate the illustrious opposition. After arriving in the country about five days before the match, the  ‘Ostriches’ who are tactically good, but physically challenged, are hoping to have familiarised themselves with the conditions.

Zimbabwe-born mentor, Madinda Ndlovu, will be under the spotlight after taking a swipe at Swallows, saying the capital city giants are not a super team. After recording their first-ever away win in a CAF match, Swallows will have themselves to blame if they fail to progress.

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