Gallant Birds keep up chase all the way in Maritzburg
SELDOM is a victory not celebrated, but that was the case yesterday as Moroka Swallows were left heartbroken despite a 1-0 win over Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
A second-half goal from midfielder Lefa Tsutsulupa gave Swallows a win, but the result left them as league runners-up behind Orlando Pirates.
Not even the prayers the Swallows players offered to the man above helped, because while they huddled together in the middle of the pitch, news came through that the Buccaneers had won. It saw them trudge off in dejection, a total contrast to the high spirits in which they played this game.
This was Swallows territory as the Birds faithful flocked to Harry Gwala Stadium. The venue was far from full, but they commanded it and let everyone know it, particularly the odd Orlando Pirates supporter who revealed where his allegiance lay.
As word filtered through of the goings-on at Moses Mabhida Stadium, any Pirates supporter who cheered was heckled and forced to put his celebrations on hold.
Apart from the positive news of Lamontville Golden Arrows equalising and then leading against Pirates in Durban, the visiting supporters had nothing to cheer as whatever they thrust into attack fizzled out even before the danger reached goalkeeper Shuaib Walters.
Rather the home side were more dangerous, as long balls searched out winger Felix Obada, who turned on the gas to trouble defender Georgi Nergadzi and keeper Greg Etafia.
The Nigerian international shotstopper had to scurry out of the box to beat countryman Obada in a chase for the ball in the first half and early in the second period he denied midfielder Ryan de Jongh with a low save.
Swallows talisman Siyabonga Nomvethe was a marked man throughout, as young defender Rheece Evans more often than not forced the veteran wide of goals.
A slight injury curtailed Nomvethe’s movements a bit, but he soldiered on and forced Walters to save his header. Before that 65th-minute effort, midfielder David Mathebula had the ball in the net and danced a jig near the corner flag, but the assistant referee’s offside signal ended his celebrations.
It was a chilly afternoon, but on the pitch the action heated up as Swallows grew desperate for a goal.
On the touchline it got particularly hot for Swallows coach Gordon Igesund.
The man chasing a record fifth league championship urged the supporters to cheer his boys, and directed his charges’ play with a flurry of hand gestures and waving.
It paid off by the 68th minute, when midfielder Tsutsulupa touched in a free-kick from Lerato Chabangu at the near post. Igesund also sent on striker Mpho Maleka to up the pres- sure on the Maritzburg defence.
It wasn’t all one-way traffic though. Kurt Lentjies struck a shot against Etafia’s upright and striker Diyo Sibisi touched a pass inches wide with the goalie beaten.
But this was Swallows’ day to push the title race until the final second, and they did. Unfortunately for them, the result that counted more was between Arrows and Pirates, and not even an avalanche of goals would have changed anything.
Nevertheless, Swallows can fly high because of their remarkable turn-around from relegation candidates to runners-up in one season.