(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Moneni Pirates ................(0)1
Vukile 81st (P)
Mbabane Swallows .........(0)0
MANZINI – Moneni Pirates finally ended a four-game winless run yesterday, securing a scrappy 1-0 victory over low-flying Mbabane Swallows.
This transpired in a feisty MTN Premier League clash at the Mavuso Sports Centre.
The ‘Sea Robbers’ last tasted victory on October 31, with a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Sisonkhe. This vital week nine encounter, staged within an estimated 500-metre proximity of the bustling Manzini Bus Rank, was the second fixture of the day’s double-header, dubbed ‘Y’ello Sunday’. Dignitaries in attendance included Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Vice Presidents Steve Horton and Polycarp Dlamini, the latter also serving as the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman. Both sets of passionate supporters rallied vocally behind their teams until the final whistle.
Pirates Team Manager Twoman Masuku rang the changes, notably restoring shot-stopper Qiniso Nyawo to the starting line-up in place of Ncanawe Ndlandla. Crucially, Colombian forward Jesus Cordoba was handed his first start since his arrival, alongside the returning Mthokozisi Hlatshwako from injury.
Meanwhile, Swallows Coach Caleb Ngwenya opted for veteran defender Mandla Palma in the absence of the suspended Celso Chauchane. ‘Umkhonto KaShaka’ showed their intent early, with Nyawo forced into a sharp save from Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala’s well-taken shot. At the other end, Swallows were nearly undone when Sibonelo ‘Mzala’ Vilakati netted for Pirates, only for the effort to be correctly ruled offside.
In a first half defined by robust defending, Pirates’ Sibusiso Sithole found Biko Sibandze in a promising position after 25 minutes, but their attempt was smothered by the solid Swallows defence, marshalled by skipper Newman Philiso. Less than four minutes later, Pirates defender Nkhosinathi ‘Stina’ Shongwe had to clear his lines as Njongo Mazibuko threatened Nyawo’s goal. Star striker Cordoba also came close, but his ambitious half-bicycle kick failed to seriously trouble the keeper. Nyawo was tested again by Mazibuko, parrying a shot that Innocent Pakule then cleared. Despite chances for both sides, the score remained level as referee Celumusa Siphepho called for the half-time break.
The second half began with Sibandze immediately sprinting towards Sandanezwe Mathabela’s post, situated in the direction of Manzini Central Primary School, but his poor decision allowed the Swallows backline to block the resulting shot. In the 65th minute, Swallows substitute Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula rose highest to meet Mancoba ‘Nciba’ Vilakati’s cross, only for the alert Pirates goalkeeper to intervene swiftly and claim the ball.
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Moneni Pirates' Vukile Khumalo celebrates his goal scored from the penalty spot yesterday, which was enough to get all three points. (Pics: Melusi Mkhabela and Nimrod Hlophe)