—ˆˆ•ǯ †”‘’ ’‘‹–•
Mb. Swallows ................. (1)1
Sandile 21st
Mb. Highlanders ............ (0)1
Philani 75th
MANZINI – Mbabane Swallows’ title hopes were dented with a 1-all draw against city rivals Mbabane Highlanders here yesterday.
Before a roaring crowd of over 4 500 fans at Mavuso Sports Centre, Swallows were not only seeking their first MTN Premier League derby win in 665 days, but needed victory to keep up with ‘big boys’
-:Sandanezwe, Sifiso, Siphosethu, Newman (‘Nunu’), Kinsley, Kwakhe, Manyisa (Kabia), ‘Tiger’, Sandile (Mutanda), Ayanda, Felix
- Khanyakezwe, Palma, Delisa (Moloto), Peter, Vusumuzi, Mpendulo, Tshwarelo (Siyabonga), ‘Stiga’ (Enzo), Musa (Mopina), ‘Ben 10’, ‘Manyovu’ (Philani)
Thulani Sibandze
Mandela Mndzebele Sambulo Simelane Mciniseli Sithole
William Shongwe at the top. The first round meeting ended 2-1 in favour of Highlanders, who scored through Kenneth Moloto
The anchorman was a marvel to watch as he gave Buffaloes a hard time in office. He dominated the midfield, winning most balls during the second half and linked superbly with his backs and forwards. He was unlucky to not have scored during game. after winning 3-2 in the first round. They piled pressured on the visitors, forcing them to sit back and rely on fruitless counter-attacks while they were also blunt in the last third.
A goal attempt came after 28 minutes after the first whistle where Junior Mazibuko broke free, but saw his shot blocked by Sihlangu’s goalkeeper Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini. However, the then man of the match Junior Magagula forced a brilliant serve by Buffaloes shot stopper before the breather, beating him in the near post.
Deadlock
After waiting until after half time, Mokenkoane broke the deadlock in the 48th-minute. He converted a cross by seasoned Captain Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini.
He unleashed a low volley when Buffaloes believed he would be judged offside. The police side’s joy was short-lived, as four minutes later, the reigning MTN League sharpshooter benefited a renounce from a rebound to restore parity.
The visitors were already in command of the belly after ‘Saviola’ was pushed forward for the attacking role and Delisa Gama. Swallows marksman Felix Badenhorst had scored the consolation goal.
It proved to be a game of two halves, with the visitors putting a disappointing first half behind them to steal the point.
The visiting fans were ready to party all night, as they invaded the pitch in celebration after the game. Their favourite side stared defeat in the face after Sandile Hlatshwako gave the hosts an early advantage. The game lived up to its billing, with both sides giving a good account of themselves at the packed venue.
... continues on Page 39 after the introduction of Bongiswa Dlamini at half time. They went on to dominate the game and Mlungisi Nxumalo between the sticks made some crucial saves that ensured that the league dream remained alive.