SISONKE PROMOTED, S. DREAMS CHAMPS

BUHLENI – Sisonke FC have secured a spot in the MTN Premier League even though they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Pigg’s Black Swallows during a MTN National First Division (NFD) match played here yesterday.

Black Swallows unanswered goal came in the second half from Mfundo Mkhabela’s strike and left Sisonke worried about their fate of promotion. They had to rush and get the results of the other clubs who were vying for the same slot before yesterday’s matches. Started as a junior team in 2001 and got to the lower division four seasons, Sisonke have already qualified to play in the top tier league next season with a game to spare. They are also guaranteed of E80 000 runners-up prize after Seven Dreams ransacked Nyanyali Celtics 6-1 to be uncrowned NFD champions. On top of the E50 000 first round champion prize, Seven Dreams will get E180 000 for their feat.

However, the Sisonke defeat kept them on 48 points, still five points clear of Malanti Chiefs and Tambankulu Celtics, who are tied on 43 points. Both sides suffered defeats and are now left to compete for the E50 000 third-place finish prize. Meanwhile, the third consecutive win kept Black Swallows in the middle of table and safe from the dreaded relegation axe. Celtics and Milling Hot Spurs are the only sides whose fate in the lower division has been sealed, and they will be campaign in the Shiselweni and Manzini super leagues next season respectively.

Coming back to the match, Sisonke had an upper hand throughout this week 25 fixture, but it seemed their gods had not accompanied them all the way from the Manzini to Hhohho region. Despite enjoying much possession, they survived an early scare to game as Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko and Fakazi Dlamini’s shots in the fifth and 10th minutes hit the woodwork and were cleared off. As they struggled to create clear-cut chances, Gcinimuzi Ndzimandze had an opportunity in the 17th minute. He fired a shot which hit the pole when goalkeeper Bheka Christie was caught napping.

Wonder

After the restart, Thando Gule’s effort to grab a lead for Sisonke before the hour mark was tipped over the bar in the 56th minute. However, with 16 minutes left on referee Celumusa Siphepho’s clock, Swallows hatched their plans. Bongi Magagula delivered a cross, after a ‘wonder’ pass from ‘Samba Jive’, for Mfundo to tap it in. This goal crushed Sisonke’s spirits and balanced the game, leaving them to learn their promotion fate a few minutes after the final whistle. Coach Mbongeni Mamba lamented their inability to convert chances and admitted frustration at conceding, despite being in charge of the play. Mamba further said the journey to the Premier League was tricky.

“It was a very difficult marathon, but I think having some experienced players, especially in the defence, worked wonders for us to secure promotion after four seasons. It is humbling though to be the coach who has helped them achieve their goals, which I believe they will also want to maintain their Premier League status” he said.

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