THREE-LLING ‘BIRDS’ GREENER PASTURES

NHLANGANO – An inspired Mbabane Swallows humiliated Green Mamba 3-0.

The ‘beautiful birds’ thrashed a hardworking Correctional outfit in the delight of the presence of the team President, Archbishop Bheki Lukhele. They came to the fourth game of their 2020/21 campaign having walloped Milling Hot Spurs with the same score line.

Doubt

Lanky forward Sandile Hlatjwako was without a doubt the man-of-the-match with a brilliant second goal just five minutes after the hour mark. The striker was forced out with an injury after scoring the second goal where he outpaced Green Mamba defenders and collided with Thokozani Mkhulisi. He put his body on the line to tap in and score to be then forced out after the injury. The former Sihlangu striker also provided an assist for the first goal where he took on Green Mamba defenders on the right channel to deliver a great ball that was easily slotted into the back of the net by Menzi Sithole just before recess.

First-half substitute Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala was the man to score Swallows’ winning goal two minutes before the end of regulation time. Nunu came in for James Nguluve who struggled with an injury from the previous league game. Green Mamba had to play with 10 men 10 minutes before the end of normal time after the referee, Thokozani Dlamini, showed Siyabonga Simelane marching orders for a career-threatening foul to Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu, which was a second bookable offence. Caleb Ngwenya’s men fought bravely but it was just not their day as they failed to create clear-cut chances.

Creativity

Ngwenya introduced former Moneni Pirates’ Sifiso ‘Mkhelele’ Mdluli for creativity in the middle and combination with Njabulo Tfwala, but all did not work for a hard-as-a-rock ‘Birds’ defence. It was an exciting encounter to watch as it was a game characterised by emotions and a physicality. Christopher Ennin’s troops were able to absorb the pressure and hang on on their lead until the referee blew his final whistle. Swallows have now won two games, drew one and lost one. Green Mamba, has won one, drew one and lost one.

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