‘BIRDS’ FLY AT LAST

Mbabane Swallows fans in a jovial mood in this file photo.

LOBAMBA – It has taken stuttering Mbabane Swallows exactly 447 minutes of football action to score a winning goal in the MTN Premier League.

The sudden hero was lanky striker Sandile Hlatshwako who used his height to nod home a Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze well-weighted corner kick from the left flank. Given the time the goal was scored, the frustration on the grandstand and the pressure the players were feeling; the goal brought such joy to the red and white faithful as it was not only their second of the season but came with their first three points.

The match was a replay after the initial fixture was abandoned with the scoreline 1-all and truth be told, it could have easily been the same story last night or even worse as this was an exciting, in fact, end-to-end match. While both sides played some scintillating carpet football, it was Swallows who had the most chances. Some half and some clear-cut but wayward shooting and lack of composure was their main letdown. Sea Birds, on the other hand, just could not get behind the Swallows defence, save for a couple of times when they could have scored.

It was the visitors’ goalkeeper that had the busiest of nights, making three very good saves, match winning ones on another day, while on the other end, Swallows’  Jim Knowledge was called to make to make a couple of saves but from half chances.

However, after some resolute defending and attacking football, Sea Birds bowed to Hlatshwako’s goal and even the three minutes of stoppage time did not help. It is also worth mentioning that five minutes in the last quarter of the hour was marred by some lightning and thunder that had the Swallows’fans shouting for the match to be stopped as they never thought a goal would come after some gilt-edged chances went begging – the opposition was also up in arms, looking to steal the three points.

But the referee Wandile ‘Mancane’ Magagula was undeterred and let play go on as the storm died down and rain poured which was ironic as the red and white faithful know their tagline goes; ‘Ayez’amanzi, ukhon’ozonethwa’ meaning, it will rain on someone – Sea Birds were the perfect victim in this instance.

In the end, Swallows won 1-0 and are now up from the basement of the log to third from the bottom with four points, one above Sea Birds while it is now Malanti Chiefs at the basement.

Teams:
Swallows – Jim, Colani, Sanele, Sifiso, Talent, Ngwarume, Wonder, Njabulo, Sandile, Matanda (Sikhali), Tony.
Sea Birds – Mlungisi, Mfundo, Boy, Gcinizwi, Sibusile, Thabo, Wandile (Bonginkosi), Colani, Thembinkosi, Maqhawe, Bheki (Muzi).

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