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‘BIRDS’ MUST RISE OR FALL

20/06/2017 01:24:00 BY CHRIS DLAMINI

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MBABANE – A lose is out of the question, was the impression given by Mbabane Swallows’ Captain Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze and his coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati on Sunday afternoon as they left the country for tonight’s titanic clash with MC Alger.

It is either a win or a draw. This could just be the moment of truth for our Total CAF Confederation Cup 2017 envoys.
As a nation, all we can do now is pray for the best – the country needs this win if it is anything to help Umkhonto KaShaka in their bid to reach the quarter-finals. Below we look at the pros and cons; It was only on June 2 at the Somhlolo National Stadium that Mbabane Swallows’ rivals and hosts tonight, MC Alger of Algeria forced a goalless draw.

This was the first time Swallows failed to score at home after an amazing run from preliminary stages. A good home record is what Swallows have but away, the same cannot be said as they are yet to record a win since the preliminary stage match against Botswana’s Orapa United.

The defeats have been very narrow as they had been losing by just a solitary goal but it is tonight that they cannot afford to lose. Yes, it will not be the end as they still have a game at home and one away against CS Sfaxien and Platinum Stars respectively.

However, winning or at least a draw tonight will leave things in their hands, while losing will see them having to rely on the upcoming fixtures involving MC Alger as well as Sfaxien who Swallows also have to beat at Somhlolo National Stadium next month. Coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati left with a clear conscience on what result they required from this game – he did his homework and was convinced that they were ready to fight for the full points or a draw.

We all saw Alger are a good side and have height advantage as all their players are tall and technically and tactically good. In front of their fans on the 17 000 seater stadium they will look to finish off Swallows and walk out with three points. Does Swallows have the verve to stop them?