Two Malawians who are still in Premier Soccer League, John Maduka and Gabadinho Mhango have survived the relegation chop as a coach for Royal AM and player for Maroka Swallows respectively. However, Khudah Muyaba will play in the promotion play-offs as Richards Bay’s 2-1 win on the final day was not enough to survive the chop.
What Happened? On the final day of the season, Maduka and Royal AM needed the victory over Swallows at the Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday, with Richards Bay chasing them behind.
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Thwihli Thwahla finished three points clear of Richards Bay, who managed to beat Stellenbosch 2-1, although it wasn’t enough to prevent them from having to navigate the promotion/relegation playoffs.
John Maduka’s side climbed above the Dube Birds up to 13th place as they halted a seven-match winless run, with Swallows losing three of their last four games.
Maduka’s Royal AM got off to the perfect start when Levy Mashiane opened the scoring in the 13th minute to boost their prospects of staying up, but their lead lasted just nine minutes as Lindokuhle Mtshali hit back for the Soweto outfit with his fourth goal of the season.
Mtshali soon went from hero to zero though, after receiving a straight red card in 35 minutes to make Musa Nyatama’s task that much harder.
Maduka had to reshuffle his pack twice before halftime due to injuries to Jeffrey Dlamini and Khulekani Shezi, with the two teams going into the break at level pegging.
The visitors would eventually capitalize on the extra man when Sabelo Sithole got his name on the scoresheet in the 56th minute to complete the comeback win.
How Gaba powered Swallows to stay in PSL
Moroka Swallows interim coach Musa Nyatama had put some of his faith in veteran striker Gabadinho Mhango to keep the goals coming for the survival of the team.
“With Gaba [Mhango] we know he needs that tap on his back a bit, we know how good he is and if defenders leave him, he will score any day,” said Nyatama about the leader of his attack.
“He is a player who wants to be motivated and pushed at all times and so far we are happy with him and how he has been playing. Let’s see if he can get us goals in the next two games; he has been scoring and helping us get out of the relegation zone.”
Mhango’s five goals in nine games were crucial for Swallows to survive relegation. Another DStv Premiership side, SuperSport United has shown an interest in signing Flames and Moroka Swallows striker Gabadinho Mhango.
Mhango Agent Makaab had this to say on Mhango links to SuperSport. “Frank Gabadinho Mhango has a year to run on his contract with Moroka Swallows, but a move away from the Dube Birds has not been completely ruled out at this stage”.
Muyaba in promotion play-offs
Khuda Muyaba and Richards Bay will have to blood for the Premier Soccer League status as they are set to play in the Relegation playoff zone. Despite claiming a 2-1 win against Stellenbosch FC in their final DStv Premiership match of the season at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Bay were unable to pip Swallows.
After challenging for the ball on the edge of the Stellies area, Ntsako Makhubela found his way through on goal in the fifth minute and managed to get the better of Sage Stephens in a one-on-one situation.
Then, following a set-piece situation, Sanele Barns played in a pin-point cross that was met by Yamela Mbuthuma, whose glancing header had Stephens rooted to the spot for 2-0 in the 17th minute.
The Cape Winelands side drew one back on the stroke of the hour-mark, as Iqraam Rayners once again added his name to the DStv Premiership goal scorers list.
Picked out by Genino Palace en route the Richards Bay’s box, the prolific scorer made no mistake with a right-footed shot to the bottom left corner of Salim Magoola’s goal.
Steve Barker’s side continued to push on for an equalizer and deprived Richards Bay of the ball for much of the second half, however, the home side met Stellies’ attacking intent with aggressive defending on the edge of their area.
Richards Bay held on to secure maximum points in their final league assignment, which proved to be too little too late as they looked to prepare for the dreaded PSL Relegation playoffs.
Muyaba joined the Club last year after signing a short-term contract but his future is yet to be decided as he has been struggling to score goals.
Additional Report by PSL
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