VANDERBIJLPARK.- Despite the club’s financial challenges Swallows interim Coach, Musa Nyatama steered Swallows to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup.
This was after Dube Birds beat Motsepe Foundation Championship’s, Platinum City Rovers 3-1 on penalties at the packed Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark on Saturday afternoon. The game went into extra time after both sides were locked on a goalless draw and it was decided ona penalty shoot-out.
Swallows’ goalkeeper, Thakasani Mbajwa made three brilliant saves to help his side to go through to the next round of the competition. Swallows came into this encounter limping after parting with their Head Coach, Steve Komphela.
It was an exciting game of football to watch with the local soccer fans packing the venue to capacity to watch top-flight football. It has been a while since a top league club has played in Sedibeng after Vaal Professionals was relegated more than 20 years ago.
Back to the game, the most outstanding players on the day for both teams were Jimmy Masalesa, Sipho Zwane (both Platinum City Rovers players), and Lindokuhle Mtshali who was voted Man of The Match for his five-star performance for Swallows.
Mtshali was all over the pitch leading in attack and it came as no surprise when he was voted Man of The Match by a panel of journalists. However, City Rovers “coach” Tlou Segolela must be proud of his side for a brave fight against a top-division club.
Speaking to the journalists after the game, Segolela said his team was outstanding on the day and it was unfortunate that they lost on penalties.
“I think we created better chances compared to our opponents but we were unlucky. As for penalties they could have gone either way and I don’t fault my players for missing them. Look, penalties are the most difficult thing in the game of football,” said Segolela.
