‘BIRDS’ CHOKE ON MAMBA’S POISON!

My dearest readers ... Settle down people.  There will now be a quiz, so get your pen and paper ready. Who said: “Everybody was waiting for Chelsea not to win every game and one day, when we lose, there will be a holiday in the country. But we are ready for that.”

A. Avram Grant
B. Jose Mourinho
C. Carlo Ancelotti
D. Guus Hiddink

Still scratching your head? Worry no more. It was Jose Mourinho, the ‘Special One’, as the ‘London Blues’ continued with their unbeaten run when he was in charge. But another quotable quote from the Portuguese born mentor, who is making a mess of my beloved Manchester United right now, for me, speaks more to Mbabane Swallows’ 51-league match unbeaten run being ruined by a sleek Green Mamba with a 2-0 on Sunday at Somhlolo National Stadium.

“Everybody is crying that Chelsea keep winning and winning and winning so I think that draw at Goodison Park makes everyone more happy. It gives people more hope and brings to the Premiership what everybody was waiting for.”  The ‘Special One’ told the hacks after the loss of their 100% league record at Everton in October 2005.

Trying his damndest not to sound disappointed at his side’s unbeaten run coming to an end after a historic 51 games, Mbabane Swallows head coach, Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati was as cocky as a peacock during the press conference at Somhlolo National Stadium press room.
“We are not concerned about records. We lost to a better team today,” Vilakati miffed almost unintelligent trying to mask his disappointment.
The undisguised disappointment in his eyes and ashen face told a different story to the codswallop coming out of his mouth.

The truth and reality is that the Swallows faithful were disappointed with not just the end of the unbeaten run but the deflating loss after their heroes failed to find the back of the net for the second game in a row.

Records aside, Swallows performed like a badly tuned luxury car and Vilakati should be worried by his side’s schizophrenic tendencies of playing second fiddle and not exerting themselves like they used to.

He should be concerned about his team’s long-term flaws. For a start, there is a fatal lack of pace in defence, especially in the absence of the dependable Mandla Palma; the midfield lacks the creative juices that was brought previously by Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze and lately by the new jersey number 11, his elder brother, Xolani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze. It is alarming. Richard McCreesh is a bright prospect but he still raw; his performances at times are without bite or tactical coherence or even basic passing technique. On his day, his performances  - pun intended – are as sweet as a Yogi Sip!

For a team that would be contesting in the CAF Champions League as early as next month, Vilakati has to find a cure to the malaise that is eating up his team. They now operate in little islands of individuals and futile endeavour. Passing sideways and backwards, which is not the known Swallows style aptly called the ‘Swallows manual’ by its dearly departed club owner, Victor Gamedze.

But credit should go to Green Mamba for a well-orchestrated game plan by coach Caleb Ngwenya. They closed down the spaces on the channels; pressed high and ensured they were first to the ball and were quick on transition. It did not just ruffle the ‘Birds’ nest - literally and figuratively speaking – but it exposed Swallows defence fatal lack of pace.

Swallows’ greatest challenge is the colossal catastrophe that is their once-impenetrable rear-guard. Ndumiso ‘Tower’ Ndaba and Siboniso Ndzabandzaba provoked pity each time the lavishly talented Njabulo Tfwala and Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo surged forward. Green Mamba were rampant and resolute. So there can be no quibbling, no complaining, no moaning about Green Mamba ending Swallows’ unbeaten run in such astonishing fashion. Interestingly, it was a former Swallows player, Musa Dlamini, who for the second time, orchestrated their downfall. Lest we forget the fast-paced striker scored the winner in the 11th minute on March 11 to not only end Swallows’ 33-game unbeaten run in all competitions, but also booted them out of the lucrative SwaziBank Cup for the second year in a row at the Last 16 stage.

This time, his 17th minute goal set the ‘Correctional Services’ side on course to re-write the history books. Mxolisi Mkhontfo’s 65th minute goal was the cherry on top of the cake. Green Mamba’s motley group of fans were obviously joined in merriment by Swallows’ bitter rivals, Highlanders, who had earlier narrowly beaten Manzini Sundowns 3-2.

Police side, Royal Leopard, continued with their blistering form in the new season, beating Mbabane Citizen at their own backyard, Prince of Wales 3-0 to maintain pole position on the log standings.

With Green Mamba also beating Swallows, the armed forces sides have now established a five-point lead from the rest in just four games played.
On Saturday at Mavuso Sports Centre, errant striker, Mfanufikile ‘Fash’ Ndzimandze, showed that indeed you cannot put a good man down by netting on his debut for Manzini Wanderers whose 2-0 victory over Malanti Chiefs has seen the hub giants move to mid-table on the log standings.

Three teams, namely, Tambuti FC, Vovovo FC and Mbabane Citizens remain winless with all indications that the trio could be engaged in a prolonged dance with demotion by the time the season gets to its half-way mark.
I still believe unless and until Matsapha United aka Mhlume Peacemakers sort out their status saga and stop invading old-age homes for yesteryears stars, they will be on their way to the Premier League of Eswatini’s poor cousin, the National First Division League sooner than they can say ‘Bogandaganda’. Or maybe they will buy another status next season. I think Midas City will be ready to listen to offers if they win their case with FIFA. Ouch!

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