12 Feb 2017

The long road to glory in the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup began in earnest this weekend with 20 confirmed preliminary round, first leg ties across the continent.
At the City of Francistown, the high flying Mascom Top8 champions, Orapa United were pitted on the CAF Confederation Cup against the Swaziland capital city giants, Mbabane Swallows who beat their host 1-0 .
Umkhonto kaShaka as Swallows is popularly known went into the Saturday encounter aiming to prove a point this time around after their previous continental sojourn on this tournament had always ended in pain in the first hurdle in many years when they campaigned for the cup.
They are yet to eliminate a team in the CAF Confederations Cup since 1998, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2015.
The Mbabane -based Swallows came to Francistown with a very strong support base in a convoy of five buses and private vehicles.
The supporters ensured their boys were motivated to deliver results.
The visitors started the game on a high tempo in the mouth-watering encounter which was fast paced and highly tactical.
They were more dangerous on the left flank through their speedy winger, Tony Tsabedze but Orapa United was up to the task with Lesenya Ramoraka attempting to put his side ahead as early as the 6th minute after getting a brilliant breakthrough pass from Ronald Chikomo.
The Saturday encounter was so highly charged that both the coaches were up on their feet as early as the second minute shouting orders to their charges.
Swallows coach, Thabo 'Koki' Vikati, who seemed shocked at the game's tempo had been quoted by some Swazi media houses some weeks back as saying, “ I respect Madinda as the legend of the game, but the good thing is that he will not be playing, but just like me, he will be coaching,” His comment summed up his football tactics against Madindas.'
As the game continued, Tsabedze continued to be a serious threat to the Ostriches defence, making countless runs into the host's goal areas .
Tsabedze's triangle formation with midfielder, Sikhonze  Banele and  striker, Ndlovu Njabulo worked well for Swallows on attack.
On the other hand, Lemogang Maswena was outstanding on the Orapa United side, stabilising his side's midfield on a box-to-box formation with Ronald Chikomo, who was the main supplier of Omaatla Kebatho.
 The visiting side had located a soft spot to tap through in attack, being United's wings, particularly the left wing which Tony Tsabedze attacked on. Fortunately, the strong United defence of Olekantse Mambo and Captain, Thabang Mosige proved hard to easily go past by opponent.
On the 38th minute, Omaatla Kebatho had a clear chance at goal but rumbled clueless on the goal post with a good scoring chance until the ball was cleared off by the hardworking and dreadlocked, Kabamba Tshisimbi.
With both teams squandering many clear goal scoring opportunities, the first half ended 0-0.
The second half was not dull either as both teams played power football to try and secure an important first goal.
On the 64th minute, the troublesome South African born, Tony Tsabedze once again invaded the United defence dribbling his way past the host's defence after getting a brilliant Wonder Nhleko pass but was neutralised by Omaatla Kebatho before shooting to score.
On the 69th Minute, Swallows also made another notable attempt at scoring when a Ndlovu Njabulo's header strike bounced before United keeper, Kaelo Joseph, and out on top of the goal post.
Orapa United  were now beginning to crumble at the back and this became evident on the 72nd minute when Wonder's wide cross to the far left corner of Orapa United's net ensured a score for the visiting side to make the score 1-0.
The stadium erupted into loud cheers and applause from the Swazi supporters who were now singing the famous European soccer song Ole-ole-ole-ole and blowed their vuvuzelas as loudly as they could in a statement to the shocked Orapa United supporters who were fairly outnumbered and quiet.
In a post-match interview, Vikati praised his side for playing well and representing Swaziland well.
On the other hand, Ndlovu bemoaned that his charges did not attack as much as he had hoped they would but that they had a really good game neutralising their opponent 90 minutes.
He also bemoaned the absence of his newly acquired Nico United duo of Gift 'Gippah' Moyo and Nelson 'Nakata' Moreetsi who are not accredited to play for the CAF Confederation Cup. The second round between the two sides will be played in a week’s time in Mbabane. ENDS