By SANDRA MWILA –
MBABANE Swallows got a befitting send -off from KaNgcamphalala chief Mshikashika Ngcamphalala who slaughtered a cow in their honour as they headed to Zambia for the CAF 2018 Champions League first round, first leg tie against Zanaco at Nkoloma Stadium.
According to the Times of Swaziland, the farewell was attended by high profile delegates that included Minister of Sports David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala and Member of Parliament Sikhumbuzo Dlamini.
“We are happy to host Swallows here before the game against the Zambians. We have heard that the Zambians are strong but we urge Swallows to go there and beat team. Do not underestimate them or underestimate yourselves,” he said.
The chief was positive that Swallows will do well against Zanaco despite the team missing the services two influential players in left-back Sanele Mkweli and midfielder Njabulo Ndlovu, who are both suspended for the first leg  after accumulating two yellow cards.
“I am positive you will do well since you have blessings from the chief. You will beat them and we are optimistic about positive results in Zambia,” Chief Ngcamphalala said.
Meanwhile, Zanaco coach Numba Mumamba has said his side was ready for the match and predicted a tough.
Mumamba said in an interview after morning training session at Sunset Stadium that Zanaco’s approach in the first leg would be to record a convincing win to reduce pressure on the players in the return leg.
“We are ready for Swallows, it won’t be an easy game, we just have to dig deeper and get a convincing win. Swallows are a good side and we can’t underrate them, we just have to apply ourselves well on the pitch and record a win,” Mumamba said.
Zanaco last played Swallows in 2013 and recorded a 3-2 at home and draw away with Captain Ziyo Tembo and Racha Kola being the only surviving players in the squad.
Tembo said the competition was high in the squad and all players were fighting for a place in the final team.
Midfielder Richard Kasonde has been left out of the squad and the coach has drafted in Jimmy Nakena, who missed the return leg against Gambia Armed Force due to passport issues.