It was a big weekend for the AmaZulu nation with iNkosi Misuzulu ka Zwelithini being crowned Zulu King in a traditional ceremony attended by thousands over the weekend of 20-21 August 2022. The Friday before saw the KwaZulu Natal football team, known as AmaZulu, travel to Johannesburg, Soweto to meet Swallows FC.
The much-anticipated action took place on Friday, 19 August at the Dobsonville Stadium. The anticipation was caused by the former Swallows FC coach, coach Brandon Truter. Truter travelled to his former slaughterhouse to try and prove his new bosses right and show his former employers that they would regret ever letting him go.
It was a good night at the end of Soweto, Dobsonsville being the furthest township on the western end. The crowds trickled in for the late evening match. Both teams remained relatively unchanged from the previous second game of the season.
Swallows: Mbanjwa, Lukhubeni, Sasman, Sait, Khupe, Allan, Mvelase, L.Mtshali, Mthethwa, Patjie, Isaacs
Subs: Tshabalala, Musonda, Makua, Lesako, S.Mtshali, Khumalo, Amoojee, Damons, Shwabule.
Swallows FC introduced their new signing, Keegan Allan on his debut for the club. This former Tuks player was ready for the big time.
AmaZulu: Mothwa, Sikhakhane, Hanamub, Gumede, Mobara, Buchanan, Makhaula, Maluleka, Kwem, Mhango, Ntuli.
Subs: Amonome, Mphahlele, Zulu, Kunene, Brooks, Magaqa, Zuma, Maduna, Major.
This team is the same starting eleven that faced Erick Tinkler’s Cape Town and took the victory 2-1 just a few days before
Pressure from the go
As soon as the game started, Swallows put pressure on the AmaZulu back four. In the 7th minute, Swallows striker Waseem Isaac was saved by an outstretched Veli Mothwa, the Usuthu goalkeeper. Isaacs could have done way better in this one-on-one situation. The start got Mothwa reprimanding his side and ushering his defence into order.
AmaZulu started pressing with their former Orlando Pirates player, Mhango. He was getting closer and closer. In the 12th minute Swallows’ Yagan Sasman came close with a header but missed this beautiful chance. It took the 24th minute for the dead log to be broken. Former Mamelodi Sundown’s player, George Maluleke, found space and passed to Mhango. With his back facing the posts, Mhango opted to pass back to Keagan Buchanan. As Mhango ran inside the eighteen area, Buchanan chipped the ball over the defence and Mhango looped it over the goalkeeper. Laduma!!!!
Another goal for Mhango in this new season. Simple football with great combinations.
AmaZulu started relaxing and tried to manage the game but Swallows FC kept pressing. They eventually got a set piece. The ball was floated into the penalty spot and HALAGASHA it was the debutant, Keegan Allan, who tied the score with a header that left Mothwa beaten.
One AmaZulu, one Swallows FC at the 42nd minute. What a to start to your league career.
Go big or go home!
The second half started just like the first – a cagey, tactically astute game with both teams sussing each other out. No one wanted to fully commit nor concede in the first 10 minutes of the second half.
Swallows pressed forward. In the 65th minute, Lindokuhle Mtshali won his side a penalty. The ever-reliant Abbubaker Mobara looked to have made content with Mtshali in the box, but in replays, it was not the case. A penalty was given either way.
The cool and clam debutant, Keegan Allan, slotted the penalty home, sending Mothwa the other way. Goal! Swallows FC! This young man is one to watch. It was game on.
It took a few minutes for AmaZulu to get back in the game. After playing a short corner, the keeper simply fumbled it. He embarrassingly allowed the ball to slip through his fingers and it rolled into the back of the net. He was in the right position but just with slippery hands. His protest to save face fell on deaf ears as the referee awarded the goal.
AmaZulu had come to conquer the highveld. They had come to show spirit, vigour and competition. In true Usuthu style, they scored their third goal in the 89th minute. Coming across from the left side of the field, Mhango headed the ball home. Swallows' defence left him alone and they were punished by this diminutive yet strong player. It was three for AmaZulu and two for the birds. Usuthu made sure to kill the game off. What a game at Dobsonville Stadium.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Keegan Buchanan. In his post-match interview, he shared, “ We showed a fighting spirit and that was their testament.”
A Royal performance from AmaZulu
AmaZulu remained unbeaten. Swallows, having lost at home, need to go back to the drawing board, they simply can’t go up in goals and have teams come back, draw and lead them. They need to keep their shape and structure with or without the ball.
The season is long and we hope it will be a season of more five-star games such as this. Five goals in one game are much appreciated. This victory should be a welcome present to the new Zulu King, iNkosi Misuzulu ka Zwelithini.
The DStv Premiership is sizzling hot and anything and everything can happen in this beautiful game. Ya, monate wa bholo was on full display. Halala ibhola lethu.