/ 3 December 2007

Swallows continue PSL nosedive

The nosedive of Moroka Swallows continued in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) on Sunday afternoon as the ailing Birds plunged to a 3-1 home defeat against Jomo Cosmos at the Germiston Stadium.

A flurry of three goals in the last five minutes comprehensively sealed Swallows’ fate.

But, in truth, the Birds never looked like recovering from a disastrous, if seemingly accidental, penalty conceded by Goodman Mazibuko in the fifth minute, which paved the way for Liberian international Anthony Laffor to open the score.

Swallows not only suffered their fourth defeat of the season while remaining perched uncomfortably in 10th position in the PSL, but they now also have the worst goal record of any team in the PSL.

Ironically, the Birds contrived to produce the best goal of the game deep into referee’s optional time when they were trailing 3-0, with late substitute Alton Meiring’s swerving free-kick from 5m outside the penalty area careering into the roof of the net.

Troubled Swallows coach Ian Garowa could hardly manage a wry smile at this sterling individual effort, emphasising the crisis which his team — and himself more forcibly — are now facing.

The Birds battled doggedly with little sign of any inspiration to get to level terms during the second half, before succumbing to late goals from Lucky Mhlate (89th minute) and Dikgang ”The Terminator” Mabalane in the 90th minute.

In other PSL games played on Sunday, Free State Stars beat SuperSport United 1-0, Santos beat Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0, and Ajax Cape Town and Platinum Stars played to a 1-1 draw. — Sapa