Times Of Swaziland: IN FEISTY MBABANE DERBY: ‘BIRDS’ BULLY ’LANDERS!

IN FEISTY MBABANE DERBY: ‘BIRDS’ BULLY ’LANDERS!
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Ashmond Nzima on 11/11/2024 14:00:00


MANZINI – Mbabane Swallows have claimed messy long-time rivals Mbabane
Highlanders’ scalp to soar to the summit of the MTN Premier League charts.
Two unanswered goals by the impressive pair of Mancoba ‘Nciba’ Vilakati and
Siyabonga ‘Gusheshe’ Zwane ensured the visitors emerged victorious at a
rain-soaked Mavuso Sports Centre. The match, steeped in tension and internal
turmoil from both camps, drew over 3 000 passionate fans eager to witness the
spectacle of Eswatini’s most significant football rivalry. Fans packed the
stands despite earlier reports suggesting that the game would be broadcast live
on Eswatini TV, before the move was aborted under unclear circumstances.
Disarray
Highlanders found themselves in disarray, as a faction of supporters took
control following Managing Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe’s decision to freeze
assets, further complicating the team’s preparations. Swallows, meanwhile, had
to cope without their promising recruit, Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula, who was
sidelined due to yellow cards accumulation.
As the teams took to the pitch, the atmosphere was electric, tinged with the
palpable anxiety of both sets of fans. Swallows’ supporters were motivated by
the presence of midfielder Given Lukhele at the stadium. The latter had recently
recovered from a severe car accident, adding an emotional layer to the
proceedings.
In a surprising twist, Highlanders opted not to warm up, a move reminiscent of
their previous outing against Young Buffaloes, where they played in makeshift
kits provided by supporters. This disorganisation was evident as they took to
the field just moments before kick-off, quickly returning to the tunnel as they
prepared for battle.
However, they appeared more stylish in their predominantly black Puma jerseys.
The inscription, ‘Phibs’, was clearly visible on the front of the jerseys,
leading to speculation that a former director with a link with Sidwashini-based
Phibs Guest House may have joined the long list of supporters helping to rescue
the team.
Managing Director Chief Kgomongwe did not attend, alongside Head Coach Mthunzi
Ginindza. Interestingly, it was former Public Relations Officer (PRO) Mandla
Madonsela who distributed the team list to the media, and he is thought to be
part of the ‘task team’ managing the team.
The match commenced with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. In the 19th
minute, Highlanders thought they had taken the lead when Mpucuko Dlamini’s
glancing header found the net, only for it to be ruled offside after a precise
cross from the ever-green Philani Mkhonto.
With the first-half winding down, it was Swallows’ ‘Nciba’ who broke the
deadlock with a stunning strike from outside the box, the ball crashing off the
woodwork and into the net in the 40th minute. They headed into half-time with a
narrow lead. Highlanders started the deciding half with renowned vigour and
almost restored parity minute after the restart, but Mkhonto’s effort from
close range was heroically blocked by Kwakhe Thwala.  While it was see-saw,
Swallows capitalised on Highlanders’ defensive frailties, as ‘Gusheshe’
found the back of the net in the 49th minute, doubling their advantage after a
chaotic clearance attempt from the Highlanders’ defence.
Energetic
Highlanders, despite the introduction of the energetic Siwakhile Shongwe,
struggled to muster any significant threat, with Mkhonto remaining the sole
bright spot in an otherwise lacklustre performance. Swallows maintained control,
executing their game plan with precision and poise, ultimately sealing the match
with a 2-0 victory and reclaiming the top spot from Royal Leopard. As the final
whistle blew, jubilant Swallows fans erupted in celebration, their voices
echoing through the stadium as they awaited the chance to meet their victorious
heroes. For Highlanders, it was back to the drawing board, as they found
themselves still languishing outside the top eight, grappling with the fallout
of yet another derby defeat.