By Lwazi Dlamini
(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
Green Mamba…………………(1) 1,
Sabelo Ndzinisa 12′ (PEN),
Mbabane Swallows…………..(0) 0,
Remember the name – Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa!
Goal-a-game, match-winner par excellence, sniper, clinical – all those adjectives have come to describe the Sihlangu Semnikati top marksman whose well-taken 12th-minute penalty saw Green Mamba defend the Ingwenyama Cup and take home the staggering E1.4 million and a ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup 2024.
Swallows, the three-time champions of the tournament, took home E530 000 for being runner’s up which was happening for the third time this season, having lost 6-0 to the same Green Mamba in the Trade Fair Cup back in September and then losing on penalties to Nsingizini Hotspurs in the MoMo Cup final on October 8, 2023.
It’s the third time unlucky for the Swallows of Mbabane who had begun the final as the most inventive side, controlling the tempo of the match but much against the run of play conceded a penalty.
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Referee Letticia Viana was left with no choice but to point to the spot kick after striker-turned-defender, Sandile Hlatshwako upended striker Sabelo Ndzinisa inside the box. The former Swallows striker stood up to send goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela the wrong way much against the run of play.
Swallows were not deterred as they continued to launch one attack after the other with Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala finding spaces behind Banele Dlamini and the red and white glamour side was unfortunate not to find the equalizer in the 25th minute when Peter ‘Beast’ Dlamini cleared off the line a shot from Ayanda Gadlela inside the box.
Green Mamba goalkeeper Xolani Gama did well to flick for a fruitless corner from a long-range effort from Kwakhe Thwala. There was drama in the 62nd minute when Leon Manyisa refused to be substituted but two minutes later he was pulled out for Siyabonga Zwane.
Then in the 68th minute, Sandile Hlatshwako cleared off the line a goal-bound Mxolisi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo shot as Green Mamba who relied mainly on counter-attacks invaded Swallows rearguard.
