DURBAN, December 17 (Absa Premier League) – Thanda Royal Zulu climbed back onto the winning trail on Wednesday after Clement Mazibuko’s brace helped them secure a 4-2 Absa Premier League victory over Moroka Swallows.
In a trilling encounter at the Mpumalanga Stadium, the visitors were off to a flying start taking the lead after just 30 seconds courtesy of David Radebe.
The hosts clawed their way back with Mazibuko levelling the score, before Mark Haskins gave his side a half-time lead.
But the Amabhubesi midfielder again equalised shortly after half time, with Bernard Parker and Nkosinathi Nhleko helping Roger Palmgren’s team to what turned out to be a comfortable win.
However, the coach would have been painting a totally different picture after the opening exchanges with Haskins playing in Radebe with his right-wing cross, which was swept home by the striker.
Thirteen minutes later our boys were level when Mazibuko picked up on a good run and cross from Felix Obada on the right to side foot home from the centre of the penalty area.
But the Birds were ahead again with their next opening in the 28th minute, midfielder Haskins this time latching onto a pass from Thapelo Mosestlhe to fire Julio Leal’s side in front.
Thanda tried their best to get back into the game before half time with Bernard Loke firing Bongani Mbhele’s corner wide as Swallows went into the break 2-1 up.
Palmgren’s men hit back emphatically though four minutes after the restart when Mazibuko’s 25-yard free-kick made its way into the bottom-right corner.
Bernard Parker, who started the game from the bench due to a knee injury, was then brought on just after the hour mark and his introduction proved a masterstroke.
First the Thanda captain converted a 66th minute penalty after Lefa Tsutsulupa had handled the ball in the box and with six minutes remaining he picked out Nhleko on the edge of the penalty area and the big striker put his low shot into the right corner to hand his team a comfortable win.