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KOKI FEELS VINDICATED

By Sibongiseni Zondi | 2018-03-18

SOCCER- Mbabane Swallows coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati was feeling vindicated after leading his side to a 1-0 win over Zanaco in the CAF Champions League yesterday.

Yesterday’s victory confirmed Swallows’ place in the group stages of the competition. The ‘Birds’ are guaranteed about E6.6 million for reaching this stage of the competition. Swallows coach Vilakati has had some of his decisions questioned in recent weeks and speaking to journalists after the match, a happy ‘Koki’ reminded his critics of his pedigree.

“I’m glad you guys are asking (about) that (squad reinforcements). You want me to add more players and when I play those players then you say, ‘why did you take out Tony? Why do you want me to add another player when you don’t want those players to play?” Vilakati said jokingly.

The Swallows coach then added that he would always stand by his decisions.

“I don’t care who says what so long as I’m doing my job. I know what I’m doing and I will stand by whatever decision that I (make). I don’t have a problem,” the Swallows coach said.

Coming to the match yesterday, Vilakati said their game plan had worked well.

“First and foremost, I must thank the almighty God who has helped us to conquer today. It was not going to be an easy game. We were playing a more experienced team. Zanaco have had more exposure in this competition but we had a plan. In the first leg we were defensive; we wanted them to come to us so we could break them on the counter attack. Today we knew that they were going to throw everything at us then I decided to play two defensive midfielders who wouldn’t push up too much,” Vilakati said.

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