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By JONGILE XUBA | 2025-01-27
CK Survivors......................... (0)0
Mbabane Swallows............... (2)3
SOCCER - COMETH the hour, cometh the man.
This adage perfectly encapsulates the performance of Mbabane Swallows' utility defender, Newman Philiso, whose brace propelled his team tohe Ingwenyama Cup quarterfinals as they cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory over CK Survivors at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday.
Leading to the game, questions loomed over how Swallows would perform without their skipper, Kwakhe Thwala, who resigned from the team last Friday.
His absence was evident during the warm-up and on the team sheet, but the Birds wasted no time proving they could soar without him. New signing Mthunzi ‘Chippa’ Motsa, freshly acquired from Green Mamba, slotted into the starting XI to fill the void left by Kwakhe.
The game began with a moment of unease for the capital city giants as goalkeeper Bongiswa ‘Romario’ Dlamini fumbled a ball under pressure from an opponent. However, he quickly recovered, and Swallows seized control of the match, dominating possession and creating chances within the opening 10 minutes.
Their efforts paid off when newly- signed forward Njongo Mazibuko, formerly in the books of Red Rhinos, opened the scoring. In just his second start for the Birds, Njongo slotted home after a blistering run into the box from the right wing.
Buoyed by the early lead, Swallows doubled their advantage before the half-hour mark through Philiso. Initially attempting to deliver a cross into the box, Philiso’s effort caught CK Survivors’ goalkeeper off-guard, sailing into the net and leaving the crowd stunned.
At halftime, the Birds were in full flight, leading 2-0 and firmly in control.
The second half saw both teams introduce fresh legs, but the narrative remained unchanged. Swallows continued their dominance, dictating the tempo and pressing their opponents relentlessly.
Substitute Sandile Hlatshwako came close to adding a third on several occasions, while Njongo was denied a brace by a brilliant point-blank save from CK Survivors’ Njabulo Malinga.
Swallows’ pressure eventually yielded a third goal in the 75th minute. Nhlanhla Ngwenya was brought down in the box by Sengeto Matibuko, and Philiso stepped up to the spot.
The defender calmly rifled in his second of the match, putting the game well out of CK Survivors’ reach.
Despite multiple chances in the final minutes, Swallows could not add to their tally. Their steadfast defence ensured the victory and secured a well-deserved spot in the quarterfinals.
Mbabane Swallows’ performance was a clear statement: even without their captain, they remain a force to be reckoned with.
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