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SANDANEZWE HOWLER DETHRONES ‘BIRDS’

12/08/2019 08:45:00 Ashmond Nzima

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LOBAMBA – A howler by Mbabane Swallows erratic goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela proved costly for the capital city giants in their bid to tighten their grip on the EswatiniTelecom Charity Cup trophy.

The towering goalkeeper was at it again, as he towed the ball into the net after he failed to make a routine save from a Leon Manyisa corner kick in a blockbuster semi-final clash against Manzini Wanderers yesterday. The lone goal proved to be the difference in the highly-tactical semi-final clash played at a packed-to-the-rafters Somhlolo National Stadium. back-to-back
It was the sucker punch the maroon and white outfit needed to shake off the back-to-back champions, who had taken the game by the scruff of the neck.

For Wanderers, it was a reprieve after making countless signings headlined by the enterprising Manyisa, who was snatched right under Swallows’ noses. They earned a spot in the decider against fellow heavyweights Mbabane Highlanders, who saw off Royal Leopard on penalties in the first semi-final. The final was due to be played late yesterday in what would be a repeat of the 2010 decider, which Highlanders won by a solitary goal.

Pendulum

The pendulum had swung Swallows’ way during the early exchanges, with skipper Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze testing recruit and man of the match Sandile ‘Onyango’ Dlamini with a delightful effort from outside the box, in the fourth minute. Wanderers were also restricted from taking chances from long range, but Tony broke free just before the interval, only to shoot wide. The teams could not be separated before the break. Upon resumption of play, Swallows, who paraded high-profile signing Vusimuzi Zungu, upped the tempo, with ‘Onyango’ called into action to make point-blank saves to foil Sandile Hlatjwako and Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze’s attempts. However, Zungu was rested early while he still gave the team more attacking options.