(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Ezulwini Utd .....................(0)0
Mbabane Swallows ...........(1)1
Slwabelwabe 43rd
MANZINI – Mbabane Swallows secured their fourth consecutive victory yesterday, defeating Ezulwini United 1-0 at Mavuso Sports Centre to break into the league’s top six.
The ‘Y’ello Sunday’ fixture, played under clear skies before a sizable crowd, carried the intensity of a genuine grudge match. High-profile attendees included MTN Eswatini Chief Marketing Officer Meshack Maseko, Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Polycarp Dlamini and Eswatini Football Association (EFA) officials. Beyond the pitch, spectators enjoyed half-time musical performances and promotional giveaways, adding a festive gloss to the high-stakes encounter.
The contest was remarkably physical; paramedics were called into action three times in a bruising first-half. Ezulwini Coach Musa Manyatsi handed a start to goalkeeper Samkelo Shongwe, deputising for the suspended Siyabonga Magagula. Shongwe proved his worth early on, producing two vital saves to keep the ‘Stingers’ level.
The atmosphere was electric, bolstered by a brass band. Swallows’ Caleb Ngwenya saw his side threaten early when Njongo ‘Jakalazi’ Mazibuko linked up with veteran target man Phiwa ‘Slwabelwabe’ Dlamini, whose strike forced an uncertain save from Shongwe. At the other end, Osman Halid latched onto a Wandile Dlamini pass, but his effort was comfortably gathered by the experienced Sandanezwe Mathabela.
Tactical adjustments proved decisive. Ngwenya withdrew the off-form Sanele Ngwenya for the returning Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala. The deadlock was finally broken in the 44th minute. Majahandzile ‘JJ’ Nhlabatsi delivered a pinpoint ball to Phiwa Dlamini, who converted with a clinical diving header to send Umkhonto KaShaka into the break with a 1-0 lead.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
Ezulwini United’s Wandile ‘Skoro’ Dlamini (on the ground) clears the ball from a Mbabane Swallows attack by Phumlane Matsebula during their MTN Premier League match played at Mavuso Sports Centre. Swallows won 1-0. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)