Mbombela United picked up their first win NFD win with 2 first half goals from Sinthemba Njantie

Mbombela United went to Dobsonville for a clash against Moroka Swallows with one thing in mind, to win the match and get 3 points.

The two teams had earlier met in the same venue back in 2014 in the Nedbank Tournament. Moroka Swallows had to came two times from behind to narrowly win 4 – 3 but Tingwenyama walked away with high recognition of the immaculate fight they had put on and this time, the two teams met on level playing field following Swallows’ relegation from the PSL and MBOMBELA United’s promotion to the National First Division.

Mbombela who went to Gauteng without having tasted even a single NFD win seemed to have lesser chances of winning  following their 1 – 0 loss to Baroka FC in Polokwane and Witbank Spurs as well as a  draw against Thanda Royal Zulu in the opening match. Swallows on the other hand had lost to Cape Town All Stars and won against FC Cape Town and Highlands Park.

The match started with Swallows dominating on ball possession and looking hungrier for goal than the visitors. United introduced Sinthemba Njanti in the 35th minute for Stander Cohen. With his first touch, Njanti dribbled deeper into Swallows half to beat the goalkeeper from 35 meters out.  
3 minutes after taking the lead, the visitors were reduced to 10 men after Jabulani Dhladhla was shown off a second yellow card. With 4 minutes to half time, Njanti silenced the meager home crowd when he extended Tingwenyama’s lead with a well taken free kick again from 35 meters out.

In the second half, Mbombela looking more enterprising especially with the introduction of hard running Petulo Sekome and could have possibly extended the lead had they converted all their chances. United’s goalie, Thuto Xaba who had the support of his mom, grandma, wife and son made numerous crucial acrobatic saves to keep Swallows shorts at bay.

Mbombela United will host Royal Eagles in KaNyamazane Stadium on the 26th of September at 15h00