Tony’s brace downs Callies

T. Callies.......... 1

Sabelo Magagula 83rd

M. Swallows.... 2

Tony Tsabedze 40th, 67th

A M B A N K U L U – T h i s i s w h y Mb a b a n e Swallows’ Captain and winger Tony ‘ TT’ Tsabedze was this week announced Player of the Month for June.

Like wine, he matures with age – at 36 years old, the former South Africa’s SuperSport United winger was once again an inspiration for his side yesterday when they completed a double over rookies Tambankulu Callies in an MTN Premier League game. The win took them closer to second- placed Young Buffaloes after the latter played to a 1- all draw with leaders and title favourites Royal Leopard at KaLanga Technical Centre yesterday.

His team is out of the title race but still can finish second ahead of army side Buffaloes as they are now five points behind as opposed to the seven before these games. With nine points to play for in the remaining three fixtures, anything can happen for them. The captain was on target five minutes from the break with a superb finish from the penalty spot before completing his second brace just after the hour- mark. This was his second brace in a space of six days as he scored one in the 3- 2 win against Green Mamba. The amazing winger was on Thursday named Player of the Month for June while his former teammate and now rival at Mbabane Highlanders, Sabelo ‘ Sikhali’ Ndzinisa was awarded for July.

The penalty was a controversial one though as referee Njabulo Dlamini stopped the game just after it he had allowed play to continue for several seconds. He stunned all when he pointed to the spot for an incident in which Callies player Muhle Mamba deliberately used his hand to stop a Tony goalbound effort. It was the delay in making the call that sparked protests from the home team as the referee consulted with his assistant and the penalty stood.

For the second goal, Tony unleashed a cracker from just outside the box, which rested in the back of the net with the goalkeeper Ncanawe Ndlandla having no chance. He could have been on a hat- trick but when he thought he had achieved it, his well taken set piece at the edge of the box hit the upright with the keeper beaten. Callies fought their way back and had already missed a few chances in the first half but a consolation goal by Sabelo Magagula seven minutes from time was all they could get. They still have to fight for maximum points in the last three games as the relegation battle continues at the bottom part of the table. Swallows played the match without mercurial midfielder Njabulo ‘ D4D’ Ndlovu and it showed in the middle of the park.

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