We will work on finishing - ‘Birds’ coach

LOBAMBA – Despite the back-toback draws, Mbabane Swallows Coach Musa Manyatsi believes the team will turn the corner.

He made these comments after seeing his side play to a goalless draw against Manzini Sea Birds. The game was played at Somhlolo National Stadium on Wednesday.

“I think the boys tried and we played good football. We should not take away the fact that Sea Birds are tough opponents. We created chances but missed. We could have scored in the early minutes to take advantage of them,” said Manyatsi. He said they would work on their finishing.

“Right in front of goals, we lacked that composure. There was a Felix (Badenhorst) chance and that Sandile Hlatshwayo header was also off target. We also need to understand that this is a new season; we’re trying players in new positions. Felix was playing as a holding midfielder and yes we are trying new combinations; things will work out,” said the former Denver Sundowns coach. He also lamented injuries; “I hope you also noticed that we were without two of our regular players in Kingu Pemba and Mohammed Kabia. We had to change our combinations. However, that is not to say we are a one-man team player; we just have to rectify our mistakes and improve,’’he said. Meanwhile, Sea Birds Coach Christian Thwala said it was point gained for his side.

“I cannot fault my players. Playing three games in a space of three days is not a joke. They gave their best. We are happy with the point,” said Thwala. Asked on his game plan, he shared that they targeted to absorb the pressure in the first half and the boys followed the instructions to the letter.

“We then started being aggressive in the second half and we did create those few chances,” he said.