Black Swallows shock ‘ Bull’
Bl. Swallows.................. 3
Nkululeko Msibi 13th, 75th Sinenkhosi Dlamini 42nd
M. Highlanders............ 1
Philani Mkhonto 47th
IGG’S PEAK – Shocker!
From a 5- 0 bashing in the reverse fixture on May 9 down in Nhlangano at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, relegation- threatened Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows yesterday did the unthinkable when t hey pummelled giants Mbabane Highlanders 3- 1.
Head Coach Wilton ‘ Jazi’ Mamba was reasonably excited as he had said before that they would continue fighting despite some setbacks in their quest to survive the axe but with three more games to go, they had a chance. His captain and former Highlanders midfielder Sibusiso Mkhonta was back after he missed the midweek derby with Malanti Chiefs which they lost 0- 1 due to injury.
It was not just one relegation survival match for Black Swallows but also a revenge mission for the 5- 0 result and Highlanders’ victory in their protest against striker ‘ Sikhali’ Ndzinisa’s case. From the first whistle, the home side looked intent and determined not to give anything away to the giants of Mbabane. They were ahead just before the quarter of an
Phour via a goal by Nkululeko’ Bhiri’ Msibi, who got a pass from Wandile ‘ Danilo’ Sacolo and scored beautifully past Phila Mamba to give his team the much- needed lead. Their rivals also organised themselves and pushed for an equaliser with Sikhali’s effort coming off the upright five minutes from the half- hour.
Looking to topple Manzini Wanderers and take the fourth spot again, Highlanders were dealt another blow as they conceded a second three minutes before the break. The heartbreaker was winger Sinenkhosi Dlamini, who finished off
TEAMS:
BLACK SWALLOWS: Bheka Christie, Wandile Sacolo, Mancoba Malindzisa, Mhlonipheni Matsebula, Mpendulo Maseko, Sibusiso Mkhonta ( Andile Sukati), Sinenkhos Dlamini, Nkululeko Msibi, Mfundo Mkhabela ( Nimfasi Kakuru), Amosi Kusi, Jonathan Boafo.
HIGHLANDERS: Phila Mamba, Vusimuzi Vilakati, Sabelo’sawa’ Gamedze, Ndumiso Ndaba, Peter Dlamini, Mlamuli Nkambule ( Sibonginkosi Dlamini), Banele Ndzabandzaba ( Kenneth Moloto), Colani Sikhondze, Sabelo ‘ Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, Philani Mkhonto, Siwakhile Shongwe ( Siboniso Lukhele.
from a Bhiri cornerkick. Highlanders were still pressing but the Black Swallows defence did well to contain Sikhali and back from injury South African winger Kenneth Moloto.
However, winger Philani Mkhontfo managed to get one back for his side two minutes into the second half, which gave hope they could bounce back. However, Black Swallows had other plans as they netted a third to seal their stunning and much- needed win, replicating their neighbours Malanti Chiefs, who also beat a star- studded Highlanders 1- 0 when it mattered the most last Sunday
as they also try to escape the axe.
Putting the last nail on the Highlanders coffin and ensuring they remained fifth and three points behind Wanderers, who were also shocked with a 1- 0 margin by rookies Tinyosi, was brace hero Nkululeko Msibi. Meanwhile, Black Swallows also did not move an inch from the 15th spot which takes them to first division if it stays so until August 12 when the league wraps up. They have 24 points to basement side Mhlume Peacemakers’ 21 while a few other clubs in front of them have 24, 25, 27 and 28 which opens the survival war.
NATIONAL SPORT