Swallows………………………………..(0)2
Njongo 70th, 77th
Sisonkhe………………………………..(0)0
SOCCER – A second-half brace from Njongo Mazibuko condemned Sisonkhe to relegation from the MTN Premier League after Swallows secured a 2-0 victory at King Sobhuza II Stadium yesterday.
The defeat confirmed Sisonkhe’s drop to the National First Division after only two seasons in the elite league, joining Manzini Wanderers and Malanti Chiefs among the relegated sides.
There was a sense of defeat around Sisonkhe long before kickoff. With no supporters in the stands apart from team officials and team personnel, the atmosphere reflected a club that appeared to have already accepted its fate.
Swallows, meanwhile, ended their campaign with purpose and attacking intent, though wastefulness denied them an earlier breakthrough. Mazibuko was at the centre of most of the danger in the opening half, but his decision-making let him down on several occasions.
One promising attack broke down after the striker opted against passing to a better-positioned teammate inside the box.
Club captain Mandla Palma came close to opening the scoring in the 30th minute when his powerful header rattled the crossbar.
Moments later, Swallows appealed for a penalty after Mazibuko went down inside the area under pressure from a defender, but referee Thembinkosi Dovos Dlamini waved play on, drawing frustration from the travelling Swallows supporters.
Dynamic winger Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala continued to torment Sisonkhe down the left flank throughout the half, while Swallows were forced into an early reshuffle after left back Ayanda Tfwala limped off injured before the break and was replaced by Majahandzile Nhlabatsi.
After a goalless first half, Swallows finally found the breakthrough in the 70th minute. Mazibuko calmly picked his spot after being played through to give the Birds a deserved lead.
Sisonkhe briefly threatened a response, but Mukelo Nhlabatsi failed to capitalise on a clear opportunity in the 75th minute after being denied by goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela.
Mazibuko sealed the result in the 77th minute with his second goal of the afternoon before striking the crossbar again two minutes later as Swallows pushed for more. Sisonkhe’s best late opportunity came in the 80th minute when Mavela Dlamini saw his effort blocked heroically by defender Sanele Ngwenya.
Swallows also wasted further chances in the closing stages, with international Sodiq Akinipelu guilty of careless finishing in the final third.
For Sisonkhe, however, the final whistle marked the end of a brief stay among Eswatini football’s elite.
