Marumo Gallants have suffered direct relegation from the DStv Premiership following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Swallows FC in a final-round match played at the Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Lindokuhle Mtshali scored both goals, with the result sending Bahlabane ba Ntwa down to 16th (last) place and a drop to the second-tier GladAfrica Championship, while the Birds (who were in the relegation scrap just a few weeks ago) ended in eighth spot and will compete in next season’s MTN8.
Swallows had the first shot in anger, with Lindokuhle Mtshali firing over from long range in the 10th minute, as the hosts looked for an early goal.
Gallants then thought they had reason to celebrate in the 16th minute when Celimpilo Ngema found the back of the net with a fine shot, but the effort was ruled out due to offside.
That moment sparked a spell of dominance from Bahlabane ba Ntwa, though they were unable to create any clear chances with which to test Birds goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.
The first half looked set to end goalless, but the hosts broke the deadlock in injury time before the interval, with Mtshali capitalising on some space behind the defence before sending an effort past Marumo goalkeeper Washington Arubi for 1-0.
Gallants made a double change at the start of the second half, with Mahlatse Makudubela and Monde Mphambaniso introduced to try and spark a turnaround, while Swallows also swapped in Tawanda Macheke 10 minutes after the restart.
The visitors upped their intensity in attack and Swallows needed both defender Kwanda Mngonyama and ‘keeper Akpeyi to make some crucial interventions.
Yet the Birds were able to capitalise on Gallants desperately throwing men forward, with Mtshali scoring a second in the 81st minute, turning home from Tlakusani Mthethwa’s assist to kill off the game – and their opponents’ top-flight survival hopes.
Swallows FC (1) 2 (Mtshali 45+2’ 81’)
Marumo Gallants 0
Swallows: Akpeyi, Damons (Khumalo 85’), Sibiya, Mngonyama, Sam, Shwabule, Matsheke, Mthethwa, Mtshali, Patjie (Macheke 56’), Malinga
Marumo Gallants: Arubi, Nkili, Gumede, Sibeko (Mphambaniso 46’), Mabotja (Soumaro 62’), Nku, Mvelase, Mohomi, Ngema, Otladisa (Makudubela 46’), Koapeng