‘BIRDS’ OUTCLASS ‘WESLIANS’

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
Wanderers……... (0)0
Swallows……….. (2)4
‘TT’ 20th (pen), Zungu 23rd, Simanga 81st, 90+2

LOBAMBA – Whitewash!

This can  best describe Manzini Wanderers’ 4-0 drubbing by fellow giants Mbabane Swallows in a one-sided MTN Premier League  grand opening clash before close to 7 000 spectators at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday. Hundreds of the home supporters watched in disbelief as their favourite side was torn into shreds by the same team they had beaten 1-0 in the Charity Cup semi-finals seven days earlier. They have been outclassed in their opener and are rock bottom on the charts after game one following a goal difference reading like a temperature inside a fridge.

For Swallows, who scored twice in each half through dependable skipper Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze, recruit Vusimuzi Zungu and substitute in brace hero Simanga Shongwe; it was a positive response to last week’s setback. Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe’s men were two-goals shy of the repeat of the April 23, 2016 demolition of the maroon and white outfit by 6-0. The capital city giants had done their homework and pulled a rabbit  out of the hat to stun the opposition by introducing little known enterprising midfielder Nhlanhla Ngwenya, who orchestrated Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati’s men’s downfall. He has been recruited from National First Division returnees Ludzeludze Killers from Manzini.

It is still early days, as it is the first game of the season, but Swallows have made a strong statement about leaving a mark in the new campaign. They are joint top with Young Buffaloes, who also made light work of Milling Hot Spurs with the same scoreline two days ago.
It was a story of gone in 23 minutes, as Swallows easily peeled off the opposition to lead by 2-0 before the half-hour mark.

Coach Hlophe had made three changes to the side that lost in the last outing, dropping the trio of defender Siboniso Ndzabandzaba, winger Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko and grafter Sibonginkhosi Dlamini to introduce the likes of Richard McCreesh, Ngwenya and Colani ‘Tyson’ Dlamini.

Wanderers, on the other hand, had made up to four changes, including in the goalkeeping department. Ncedo Mamba started ahead of Sandile ‘Onyango’ Dlamini between the sticks. There was also no place in the starting team for the injured centre-back Sihle Mkhonta alongside the duo of Mancoba ‘Spider’ Maseko and Johnson Mensah. The latter surprisingly gave way to Mpendulo Ngidi, who proved ineffective yesterday. Mike Dombo also got a nod, but he lasted 17 minutes following a injury.

penalty

Swallows took the game by the scruff of the neck and ‘TT’ broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after referee Thulani Sibandze adjudged Jose Machado to have handled the ball in the box.  The former Sihlangu skipper picked his spot to beat the goalkeeper with a low shot from 12 yards out.
Just when Wanderers were looking to pick up the pieces, Swallows peeled off again. An unmarked Zungu was at the end of a delightful Mncedisi Dlamini cross to beat the goalkeeper from close range with a hard shot three minutes later.  Wanderers looked lost like an octopus in a garage and at one point tried route one football in a bid to reduce the deficit but the visitors took the two-goal cushion to the break.

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