By Sibusiso Masilela
EXACTLY 2191 days to the day Mbabane Swallows won the MTN league title on May 12, 2018, the red and white glamour side have clinched the ‘Holy Grail’ of Eswatini football for the seventh time in their chequered 76-year history.
Back then on that Sunday afternoon at Somhlolo National Stadium, a goalless draw with now-defunct Tambuti FC was enough to lift the trophy and six years later, up in Northern Hhohho, Mkhuzweni Technical Centre, it took an own goal by former Mbabane Swallows defender, Mandla Palma to clinch the coveted crown.
Swallows, champions in 2005, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2018, now enjoy a five-point lead over nearest challengers Green Mamba who beat Rangers 3-0 at Tambankulu Stadium.
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Hyperbole celebrations that threatened to raise the roof at the newly constructed Mkhuzweni Technical Centre greeted the final whistle as overjoyed Swallows fans joined by the players danced like nobody was watching.
Adorned in new T-shirts acknowledging the league triumph, Swallows players became lost in the frenzied celebrations with coach Caleb Ngwenya lifted aloft as the carnival atmosphere spilt to the small Pigg’s Peak town and all the way back to the Capital City last night.
It was a sight to behold and one in which those who experienced it will take it to their graves. Having ended with the wooden part of the spoon and labelled perennial bridesmaid after losing three Cup finals this season, Swallows finally laid their hands on the biggest trophy of them all – the coveted league – which also means a return to the prestigious CAF Champions League where they left an indelible mark in 2018 by reaching the Group Stages.
While Swallows dethroned Green Mamba the coveted league trophy, the relegation dogfight took another interesting twist which left three Manzini-based teams, Manzini Wanderers, Moneni Pirates and Denver Sundowns swimming in the relegation cesspit with one game remaining.
While as many as five teams are still in danger of being relegated, including 10th-placed Ezulwini United and 11th-placed Manzini Sea Birds, it is now given that one of the three Manzini teams (Sundowns, Wanderers and Pirates) will go down.
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Mbabane Highlanders showed no mercy to the relegation-fighting Wanderers, pummeling Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe’s charges 6-1 at Somhlolo National Stadium while Nsingizini Hotspurs beat Denver Sundowns to ensure ‘Basop IKappa Kappa’ remains rooted on the basement of the log standings with a game to play.
Interestingly, Sundowns will face Wanderers in a do-or-die clash while Moneni Pirates will have a date with another relegation-threatened side Ezulwini United who needs a draw to ensure they will be playing premiership football next season.
Manzini Sea Birds forced a 1-all draw with Royal Leopard but with 24 points, they are also not safe from the relegation axe. ‘Izinyoni Zolwandle’ will face Illovo FC in the last game of the season.
On a penultimate day in the MTN league, Mbabane Swallows reclaimed the league glory after 2191 days while one of the three Manzini teams, Sundowns, Wanderers and Moneni Pirates is certain to be playing in the National First Division League next season.
FULL RESULTS (WEEK 25):
Swallows 1-0 Ezulwini United
Green Mamba 3-0 Rangers FC
Young Buffaloes 5-1 Madlenya FC
Denver Sundowns 0-1 Nsingizini Hotspurs
Manzini Sea Birds 1-1 Royal Leopard
Mbabane Highlanders 6-1 Manzini Wanderers
Moneni Pirates 3-0 Illovo
WEEK 26:
Mbabane Highlanders vs Green Mamba
Ezulwini United vs Moneni Pirates
Mbabane Swallows vs Young Buffaloes
Royal Leopard vs Rangers FC
Madlenya FC vs Nsingizini Hotspurs
Moneni Pirates vs Ezulwini United
Manzini Wanderers vs Denver Sundowns
Manzini Sea Birds vs Illovo FC