Swallows fall short of matching 2018 record

MBABANE – It was exactly 2 190 days ago when current log leaders Mbabane Swallows ascended to the podium to claim their last MTN Premier League title.

A goalless draw with Tambuti back on May 12, 2018 proved enough for Swallows to seal the title ahead of closest challengers Young Buffaloes, who finished two points behind. Coincidentally, it was a 14-team league during the 2017/18 season.

Fast forward to 2024, the red and white glamour giants are closest to their seventh MTN Premier League title. In fact, Caleb Ngwenya’s men can be crowned champions as early as tomorrow. MTN Premier League champions in 2005, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2018, a win against Ezulwini United at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre will be enough for the capital city giants to be crowned champions with a game to spare. They are forced to look over their shoulder by holders Green Mamba, who are five points behind. If Swallows win both games against Ezulwini and Buffaloes, they will finish on 55 points.

Their path to glory is almost similar to that of 2018, when they recorded 60 unmatched points. Heading into the last two games of the season, Swallows were four points clear of second-placed Buffaloes. On week 25, Swallows beat Illovo 5-1 while Buffaloes beat Mbabane Highlanders 3-1. During the deciding games (round 26), Swallows were held to a 0-0 draw while Buffaloes thrashed Midas City by 5-0 to half the points deficit.

Notably, Sandile Hlatshwako, Felix Badenhorst and Sifiso Mabila are the few surviving members in the Swallows squad that last won the league, with the rest, including Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu, Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko and Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, among others, have history with the team.