By Sibusiso Masilela
Moneni Pirates……………………………… (1) 3,
Senanelo Nkhambule 20th, Bi Zavhi Irie 52nd, Mthokozisi Hlatshwako 77th
Mbabane Swallows………………………. (0) 1,
Sizolwethu Shabalala (88th)
Outclassed, outfoxed, outsmarted and outmuscled.
This is the story of the limping MTN Premier League defending champions Mbabane Swallows after they were humiliated by Moneni Pirates with 3-1 defeat on Sunday at Mavuso Sports Centre.
The black and white ensemble gave their fans perfect consolation following their recent Ingwenyama Cup defeat to Royal Leopards with a five-star performance.
This was also a double for the ‘Sea Robbers’ over Swallows following their 1-0 win during the first-round encounter at the same venue.
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The Caleb Ngwenya-led side took an early lead in the 17th minute through their marauding striker Senanelo Nkhambule with a sublime finish from a Phumlani Shongwe pass.
Shongwe should have doubled the advantage for the Pirates after the half-hour mark when he fired his effort wide after receiving a pass from Senanelo pass.
Swallows’ goalkeeper Bongiswa Dlamini made a daring save before halftime after keeping out a Sizwe Gwebu powerful ground shot.
The match went to a breather with Pirates enjoying a slender lead.
The ‘ Sea Robbers ‘ started the second half on a front seat as they doubled the advantage seven minutes into restart through a beautiful strike from their Ivorian a winger Bi Zavhi Irie.
Irie unleashed a powerful shot from the edge giving Swallows goalkeeper Bongiswa Dlamini no chance.
Pirates’ second-half substitute Mthokozisi Hlatswako joined the scorer’s list in the 77th minute with a header from fellow substitute Abdulmajid Aminu cross forcing Swallows fans to leave the venue on a funeral pace.
Swallow’s consolation goal came two minutes before full-time through second-half substitute Sizolwethu ‘ Nunu ‘ Shabalala close range effort.
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The victory moved Pirates to fifth position with 32 points while Swallows dropped sixth with 30 points.
Zavhi was named the man of the match and took home E 1000 for his effort.
