‘Birds’ sink Bucs, soar to top Seven Dreams claim revenge against Spurs
M. Swallows ...... (0)2
Kwakhe 57th, Gadlela 62nd
M. Pirates ......... (0)0
KHUZWENI – Mbabane Swallows surged to the top of the MTN Premier League standings following their victory over Moneni Pirates here yesterday afternoon.
Swallows scored their goals in the second half via the boots of Sihlangu’s versatile player Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala breaking the deadlock for Swallows with a stunning shot from outside the box. Ayanda ‘Gandaganda’ Gadlela then sealed the victory for the hosts with a decisive header.
The victory took Swallows to the top of the standings with 37 points, leapfrogging security forces rivals Young Buffaloes, who previously occupied the top spot with 35 points. Green Mamba, having the same points as Swallows but with a better goal difference, now trails in third place with 34 points.
The early stages of the game saw
MMAN OF THE MATCH
Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala (M. Swallows): The Swallows’ versatile player FRntinueV tR e[Fel in hiV neZ midfield URle displaying an impressive performance in the game. His clinical goal and key involvement in securing the second goal significantly contributed to helping his team to the top of the league standings.
the home side, dominating as they sought to create clear-cut openings in the Pirates’ defence.
However, the ‘Sea Robbers’ resorted to sitting deep and defending, with players like Menzi ‘Gawzela’ Simelane and Muhle Mamba looking to utilise their pace on counter-attacks.
SUPERB
As the half-hour mark approached, the visitors had a great opportunity when Mphumuzo Sangweni found himself in a promising position after a superb team move, facing only Swallows’ goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela. Unfortunately, his tame effort was comfortably saved.
Swallows also had a chance to break the deadlock before halftime, following some excellent play between Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini and Ayanda Gadlela. However, Gadlela’s shot was easily saved by Pirates goalkeeper Bhekisisa Dlamini in the 43rd minute, and both teams entered the break goalless, with little action to show for the first half.
The second half saw the Caleb ‘No Nonsense’ Ngwenya side return to the field with renewed energy and a more positive approach to their attacks. However, their efforts were stiÀed when Swallows thought they had broken the deadlock in the 53rd minute.
Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala’s clinical header, following a cross from Gandaganda, found the back of the net, but referee Wandile Simelane ruled it offside.
Just four minutes later, Swallows’ persistence paid off as Kwakhe Thwala scored a stunning long-range curling shot in the 57th minute, putting the hosts ahead. This goal was the result of a beautiful one-two play between him and Tiger outside the box.
In the 62nd minute, Gadlela extended
Swallows’ lead with a well-placed header from a Kwakhe Thwala corner kick, making it 2-0. Despite their twogoal advantage, the home side refused to sit back and defend.
Second-half substitutes Siyabonga ‘Gusheshe’ Zwane and striker, Samba Orion continued to apply pressure on the Pirates’ defence. Bhekisisa was called into action, making a decent save to deny Orion’s goal-bound effort and another impressive save from Sizolwethu Shabalala’s attempt.
DEFENCE
In the latter stages of the game, Pirates made some attempts to breach the Swallows’ defence, but Wandile ‘Shaka’ Simelane and second-half substitute Sizwe ‘Shikisha’ Gwebu couldn’t seriously challenge Sandanezwe Mathabela, as the hosts’ defence held strong.
Swallows held onto their two-goal lead and emerged as 2-0 victors over 3irates, who now find themselves at the bottom of the log with 14 points. Elsewhere, Ezulwini United secured a shocking 4-0 triumph against Madlenya at Mayaluka Stadium.
Seven Dreams ....... (0) 2
Fela 53rd, Mlindi 90th
Lozitha Spurs ....... (0) 0
BABANE – It was a dream revenge for MTN National First Division (NFD) log leaders, Seven Dreams as they beat Lozitha Spurs 2-0 in a clash played here yesterday.
The first-round champions got victory with second-half goals by Samkeliso ‘Fela’ Dlamini and Lindo ‘Mlindi’ Zwane. The win ensured that Seven Dreams maintained their six-point lead at the top, with five games to spare. They stand at 47 points, with Sisonke and Malanti Chiefs closely trailing in the heated promotion battle.
Meanwhile, the ambitious Spurs slid one place down in the log standings, from fifth to sixth. Spurs had edged Seven Dreams 2-1 in their first-round encounter, with a brace by Thandukwazi Ndwandwe. However, yesterday’s match saw a deserving reversal of fortunes as Seven Dreams dominated the game, suffocating their opponents. The first half was one-sided, with Seven Dreams pressing into Spurs’ half but failing to capitalise on their dominance.
Bheki ‘Benny’ Dlamini, Paris Ndzimandze and Nido Mashaba were forceful upfront and on the wings, striving to draw first blood. The visitors, most disadvantaged by the slippery pitch, managed only a few counter-attacks and offered limited clear-cut opportunities. Goalkeeper Bhekisisa Sikhondze was heroic between the sticks, making crucial saves from set pieces to keep the game scoreless at halftime.
After the restart, the match was more balanced, with both sides showing a clear intent to break the deadlock. It was ‘Fela’ who, in the 53rd minute, received a pass from Paris, shook off his marker and gave his side the lead with a ground shot at the near post.
Spurs maintained their nerve and fought back in vain however for an equaliser. Seven Dreams then managed to seal the game at the stroke of full time. Second-half substitute ‘Mlindi’ delivered the final blow in the 90th minute with a rebound before being rushed to the hospital with an ankle injury. This goal shattered the resistance of the visitors, who could do no more until the final whistle.
MMAN OF MATCH:
Paris Ndzimandze (Seven Dreams): The speedy winger was a relentless thorn in the Spurs’ defence. He spearheaded most attacks and, although unlucky not to score himself, provided the assist for the opening goal.