FANS DEMAND ‘PUPU’ AS ‘BIRDS’ CRASH OUT

G. Mamba ................... (1)1
Musa 11th
Swallows ...................... (0)0

LOBAMBA – Revenge is a dish best served cold. Mbabane Swallows are for the second time in succession out of the SwaziBank Cup and in the last 16 again. Elite rookies Matsapha United beat them 1-0 last time but yesterday it was Green Mamba who rose from their MTN League 3-1 defeat to Mbabane Highlanders the previous week.

The Somhlolo National Stadium was once again blessed by a few rain showers, just as it happened when Matsapha knocked them out. Winning it for Green Mamba was interestingly their former striker in speedy Musa Dlamini. He sneaked in from behind defender Ndumiso ‘Tower’ Ndaba to nod into the near post a well weighted free kick by midfielder Mxolisi Mkhontfo in the 11th.

Swallows showed their character with coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati making a few changes to his Zanaco FC heroes, starting Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze and defender Siphamandla Mathenjwa on the bench while also leaving overlapping left back  Sanele Mkhweli out of this match. Mkhweli had been suspended for the CAF match in Zambia last Wednesday.

This did not go down well with the red and white outfit’s fans who after the hour-mark started shouting Pupu’s name. However, when a change was made it was Richard McCreesh for Richard Sewu which disappointed the fans while victorious rivals Mbabane Highlanders’ supporters enjoyed every moment and celebrated their double impact in style after the final whistle from referee Mbongiseni Fakudze.

Nonetheless, Swallows remained united and accepted the defeat with some singing and dancing of their own outside the club’s dressing room. After all, Pupu eventually came on after his jersey was fetched from the dressing room, suggesting he was not ready to feature. It even took captain Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze talking to him on the sidelines.

It was all too late though but still, there were a couple of chances for Swallows to keep their chances alive but they were all in vain. If they were not misfiring and up against a water-tight defence on the day, they could have done better.
What a revenge for Green Mamba! It’s only two years ago that Swallows won 2-1 against them in the final.

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