Swazi Observer

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FOUR-MIDABLE BIRDS

By Sibusiso Masilela | 2019-08-19

Manzini Wanderers……………… (0)0

Mbabane Swallows……………… (2)4

SOCCER – REVENGE is a dish best served cold.

Capital city giants Mbabane Swallows certainly got their sweetest revenge against rivals Manzini Wanderers after recording a resounding 4-0 victory over the hub giants at the Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday.

After losing their previous two matches against the Weslians, Swallows were on a revenge mood as they outclassed their fellow crowd pullers during the grand opening of what promises to be an exciting 2019/20 MTN Premier League season.

The red and white glamour side was on a top gear as they dominated the match from the opening minutes of the exhilarating affair witnessed by an impressive over 7 000 football lovers. Swallows’ new kid on the block and Man of the Match Nhlanhla Ngwenya first tested the opposition 14 minutes into the match with a rasping shot which hit the upright with Wanderers goalkeeper Ncedo Mamba at sea.

The hosts were forced to make an early change after their wing wizard Mike Dombo was pulled out of the match two minutes later due to a muscle pull.

Responsibility

Wanderers then conceded a penalty in the 20th minute after right back Jose Machado was judged to have handled a Mncedisi Dlamini low cross. Swallows skipper Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze took the responsibility to give his side the lead with a low hard shot that gave Ncedo no chance at Wanderers goals.

Swallows were in cloud nine in the 23th minute when their South African midfielder Vusumuzi Zungu doubled the advantage with a sublime same time finish after connecting a Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze well taken cross.

The goal handed the victors a healthy two-goal cushion going into the halftime break.

Wanderers tried to force their way back into the match during the second half but were unable to unlock the resolute opposition defenders. The ‘Weslians’ captain Sifiso ‘Tjovitjo’ Maseko saw his clinical header being saved by Swallows goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela.

In trying to diffuse the opposition, Swallows veteran mentor Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe introduced striker Simanga Shongwe and the former Mbabane City player, Simanga did not disappoint as he made it 3-0 in the 81st minute with a fine strike, slotting home a Nhlanhla Ngwenya crispy pass.

Shongwe was not done yet as he nailed the final nail on Wanderers’ coffin in injury time.

He scored with a close range rebound after beating the flat-flooted opposition backline to provoke wild celebrations from the jubilant Swallows supporters.

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