SOCCER – A dejected Mbabane Swallows head coach Caleb Ngwenya has conceded that poor finishing remains his side’s biggest weakness after another frustrating outing in the MTN Premier League.
Swallows went down 2–1 to Manzini Sea Birds in a keenly contested encounter played at the Prince of Wales Sport Ground, despite creating what the coach described as ‘enough chances to win the game’.
Ngwenya, visibly disappointed after the final whistle, said it was painful to lose a match in which his players executed the tactical plan effectively, but failed to convert their opportunities.
According to the Swallows mentor, the inability to score has been a recurring theme in recent fixtures and continues to undermine otherwise solid performances.
“This is a game we were not supposed to lose. My boys played well and executed the plan exactly as we had worked on it, but we could not score. That is very frustrating for the technical bench and players. When you look at our recent games, the only thing letting us down is goals. In all other aspects, the team is playing well.”
He added that the coaching staff would return to the drawing board to address the issue, while praising his players’ commitment and fighting spirit throughout the match.
“I am satisfied with the way the players fought, from start to finish. We will work hard to rectify the problem at hand,” he said.
READ | Public swindled E1m using ‘BakaNgwane’ name
Ngwenya also revealed that the club was exploring the possibility of strengthening the squad in the upcoming transfer window, should circumstances allow.
However, his immediate focus has shifted to their next league assignment against Mbabane Highlanders, a fixture he described as crucial to turning their season around.
On the winning side, Manzini Sea Birds head coach Friday Myeni hailed the victory as a major morale booster against a traditionally strong opponent.
He commended his players for their discipline and determination, noting that the result reinforced belief within the camp.
“This is a very motivating win against a big side. The boys put in a great effort and followed instructions. Our target is to win all the remaining games and set the tone going into the second round.”
Myeni stressed that his team was not distracted by the first-round incentive, arguing that focusing on rewards could disrupt concentration, even though winning it would be a welcome bonus.
Sea Birds, affectionately known as Izinyoni Zolwandle, sit second on the log with 25 points and have two first-round matches remaining against Malanti Chiefs and Sisonkhe.
Swallows are 10th with 16 points and they face Highlanders next before a tough test against Nsingizini Hotspurs.
