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DOWN AND OUT: Swallows' Mpho Maleka during the club's PSL match with Golden Arrows at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto yesterday. PHOTO : ANTONIO MUCHAVE

FLYING HIGH: Siyabonga Nomvete. Picture taken from www.citypress.co.za

 Arrows no match for birds 

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In an exciting match, Nomvethe became the first player to score an Absa Premiership hat-trick this season as the Birds played their way back into league title contention.

The irresistible veteran striker, 34, single-handedly maintained Swallows' fourth spot with 47 points on the log and underlined just why he is still hot property even at his age.

Under bright sunny conditions, Swallows got off to an ideal start as Nomvethe headed the home side into the lead as early as the 13th minute.

The veteran striker, who keeps defying age, rose highest to connect with a Shere Lekgothoane cross for his 14th goal of the season.

Skipper Lefa Tsutsulupa, however, contrived to let Arrows back into the game when he conceded a penalty after a foul on Russel Mlotshwa inside the penalty area. Bafana Bafana midfielder anchor Thaduyise Khuboni stepped up to convert and level for the visitors in the 20th minute.

And it was Arrows who then took the lead for the first time through Thamsanqa Gabuza, who powerful left-footed shot beat Greg Etafia in the 52th minute.

Yet Swallows got back in it, equalizing and regaining their lead through man-of-the-match Nomvethe, who scored twice in a space of four minutes.

First, an out-swinging right cross from Joseph Makhanya picked out Nomvethe at the far post and the seasoned forward got above to loop a cool header over keeper Gumede in the 66th minute.

Nomvethe handed Swallows the lead again, heading in for his hat-trick and his 16th goal of the season from the left side of penalty area in the 70th minute.

The home side maintained their dominance over the coastal side, but kept being let down by poor finishing, as was the case when David Mathebula and Bennet Chenene shot inches wide respectively, before the break.

Collins Mbesuma could also have done better for Arrows when released on goal.

But it were Swallows who went into the break ruing the several clear-cut chances they squandered.

But Nomvethe did the damage, with his wonderful skill and experience doing the simple things with his technique and his great positional awareness.

Comments

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Thu May 23 04:53:15 SAST 2013 ::

Apr 30, 2012

sabza007

Well done Bhele Nomvete. You have proved that age is just a number and that experience counts!
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Apr 30, 2012

Live1030

Well done Mukalaha!
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Apr 30, 2012

WarrenG

Leading by example. Maybe get this guy in for 2013 and show Killer the door...
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Apr 30, 2012

me4life

He just knows very well why he was hired in the first place. He has got the experience on side also. and the way I see this guy, he will play beyond 40 years, if injuries dont stop him.
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