Swallows’ frustrations continue, Arrows pierce Chippa

SWALLOWS FC began life with new coach Dylan Kerr with a 1-1 stalemate with Maritzburg United at the Dobsonville Stadium yesterday while Golden Arrows brought Chippa United back to earth as they won 2-1 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the other 3.30pm kick-off.

The Birds needed a 95th minute equaliser from defender Yagan Sasman to rescue a point for the home side whose finishing let them down numerous times.

Maritzburg scored against the run of play on the stroke of half time. Rowan Human set up Bafana Bafana international Bongokuhle Hlongwane for his first goal of the season and his side’s third in seven matches.

Kerr recalled to the starting line-up Mwape Musonda, who he previously entrusted with goalscoring responsibilities during his stint with Black Leopards.

Swallows could’ve gone ahead in the first 10 minutes but indecisiveness and a lack of cutting edge cost them.

The Dube Birds kept piling on the pressure in the second half with a barrage of crosses into the box but the Team of Choice remained resilient in a bid to secure their first win in six matches.

At the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Michael Gumede and Pule Mmodi got the goals as Arrows secured their fourth victory of the season.

Chippa equalised in the 34th minute when strikers Bienvenu Eva Nga and Jemondre Dickens combined well for the chance.

Mmodi put the away side back in front in the 52nd minute.

At the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Royal AM shot-stopper Patrick Nyame helped his side secure a 0-0 draw and a point in a hard-fought first Durban derby against Amazulu.

John Maduka’s Royal AM moved to second on the log, behind league leaders Sundowns on goal difference.

Had it not been for the Cameroon international’s saves, Amazulu would have scored an abundance of goals and Andre De Jong might even have bagged a hat-trick.

For Amazulu, this was again a case of the result not reflecting their play. They dominated possession and will be frustrated that they registered their ninth draw of the season, the most by any side in the league this term.

Both sides showed attacking enterprise in the opening half, but there were few opportunities in rainy conditions.

The conditions produced its first casualty in the 32nd minute when Amazulu were forced to bring in Siyethemba Sithebe for the injured Xola Mlambo.

Royal AM failed to muster a shot on target in the opening half but could have done better on the stroke of half time when Levy Mashiane found himself in a good position in front of goal. Amazulu’s captain Makhehlene Makhaula dispossessed him before he could shoot.

Surprisingly, Amazulu coach Benni Mccarthy only introduced key striker Bongi Ntuli in the 86th minute.