Swallows' Malinga breaks Richards Bay hearts

Swallows FC claimed a late 1-0 win over Richards Bay in a DStv Premiership match at the Dobsonville Stadium on Friday evening.

The win elevated Amaswaiswai to the 12th spot on the league standings and they will be away to Stellenbosch FC in a Nedbank Cup match on 11 February.

While the Natal Rich Boys remained second on the standings and they are scheduled to take on Mamelodi Sundowns away in a Nedbank Cup game on 7 February.

The match got off to a lively start with Amaswaiswai and the Natal Rich Boys attacking each other without any fear as they were taking risks in the final third.

However, they couldn't keep their attempts on target with Somila Ntsundwana firing wide of the target in the 15th minute after being presented with an opportunity to shoot at goal.

At the other end, Abel Mabaso placed his attempt over the crossbar without troubling goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa in the 36th minute and the score was 0-0 at halftime.

Coach Ernst Middendorp made four changes prior to the start of the second half, introducing Lindokuhle Mtshali, Waseem Isaacs, Kwanda Mngonyama and Pentjie Zulu.

Mtshali became an instant threat to the Natal Rich Boys defence and he grabbed an assist when he set up Kagiso Malinga who hit the back of the net to hand Swallows a 1-0 lead in the 81st minute.

The hosts were then able to contain Richards Bay and ultimately Swallows emerged as 1-0 winners thanks to the 28-year-old striker's second league goal of the season.

Swallows 1 (Malinga 81')

Richards Bay 0

Swallows: Mbanjwa, Lukhubeni (Mngonyama 46'), Sibiya (Zulu 46'), Sasman, Damons (Mtshali 46'), Mthethwa, Uromi (46'), Malinga (Sait 89'), Wambi, Allan, Rusike.

Richards Bay: Magoola, Maphathe, Mabua, Shabalala (Hlongwa 70'), Nyauza, Mtolo, Ntsundwana (Makateng 89'), Mabaso (Zungu 70'), Mbuthuma (Mabuya 70'), Mthembu (Memela 89'), Msania