Times Of Swaziland: COACH-LESS ‘BULL’ RECORD 1ST WIN

COACH-LESS ‘BULL’ RECORD 1ST WIN
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Sanele Jele on 25/09/2024 15:38:00


Rangers FC..........(1)1
Sibonelelo 45+4
M. Highlanders...(1)2
Fabrice 10th, Thabiso 69th
NHLANGANO – Coach-less Mbabane Highlanders maintained their dominance over
Rangers by defeating them 2-1, marking the fifth occasion they have triumphed in
league encounters since the 2021/22 season.
The capital city giants were compelled to compete without their Head Coach,
Mthunzi Ginindza, who claimed he was made to believe he had a two-year contract
with Rangers. However, he contended that he initially signed a one-year deal and
consequently resigned prior to the season’s commencement in order to join
Highlanders. He further alleged that Rangers’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO),
Thembinkosi Hlandze, demanded E60 000 as a release fee to facilitate his move to
Highlanders. Currently, the coach remains unregistered with any club on the FIFA
system, as Rangers have consistently refused to accept offers from his new team.
In contrast, Hlandze refuted the accusation, asserting that he never demanded
E60 000 from the coach. He suggested that the coach could have approached them
before joining Highlanders to ensure a smoother departure, but he chose not to
communicate. Nonetheless, Hlandze stated that the matter will be resolved
shortly, as Highlanders’ management is prepared to negotiate regarding the
coach’s services.
Advantage
Turning to the match itself, it was fiercely-contested, with the ‘Black
Bull’ taking an early lead just 10 minutes into the encounter. This early
advantage came courtesy of a goal from returning player Fabrice Mopina, who
connected with a powerful header from Ndumiso Maseko, sending the ball past
Sibonakaliso Vilakati and into the net. As the first-half drew to a close, the
visitors appeared set to maintain their lead, yet Sibonelelo Mhlanga seized the
opportunity to steal the limelight, heading in a goal from a Sanele ‘Niang’
Masuku corner four minutes into additional time, as signalled by referee Wandile
Mamba. Upon the resumption, both teams displayed an eager intent to score, but
it was the away side that regained the lead.
Thabiso Mokenkoane, the South African import, found the net with a close-range
tap-in just 21 minutes before the final whistle. Despite numerous attempts from
both sides, it became evident that no further goals would be forthcoming,
prompting the referee to call the match to an end, much to the elation of the
visiting supporters. Highlanders are now joint top with security forces sides
Green Mamba, Royal Leopard and Young Buffaloes. They are all on four points.