(At Mayaluka Stadium)
Ubombo.........................(0)1
Gcina 55th
Sea Birds.......................4(4)
Mthokosizi 12th, 22nd, Muzi 27th, 42nd
BIG BEND – Manzini Sea Birds emphatically shook off back-to-back goalless stalemates to secure a historic second-place finish, dismantling strugglers Ubombo Sugar 4-1 at a sun-drenched Mayaluka Stadium yesterday afternoon.
The commanding victory guarantees the club a staggering E550 000 runners-up windfall, complementing the E225 000 already pocketed from their Ingwenyama Cup semi-final run. With league champions Nsingizini Hotspurs also securing the national knockout (Ingwenyama Cup), Sea Birds are now virtually assured to inherit Eswatini’s coveted CAF Confederation Cup continental berth.
Watched by local football’s top brass, including Eswatini Football Association President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane who is one of the founders of side, the visitors wasted no time imposing their authority over their former Coach Van Rooyen Magagula. The tone was set in the 12th minute, when the returning Mthokosizi Gwebu latched onto a brilliant, defence-splitting pass from Philani Mkhonto, driving a ruthless low strike into the bottom corner.
Gwebu turned executioner again just 10 minutes later, embarking on a dazzling solo run and brushing aside a fragile Ubombo rearguard to complete a quick-fire brace.
The hosts’ high defensive line collapsed entirely under the visitors’ fluid counter-attacks. By the half-hour mark, a failed offside trap allowed winger Muzi Tsabedze to ruthlessly slot a low effort through the legs of the exposed goalkeeper, Innocent Adja, following another precision assist from the majestic Mkhonto.
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Manzini Sea Birds supporters celebrating during one of their games at the Mavuso Sports Centre. The team has made history by claiming the second position on the league. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)