Times Of Swaziland: ‘BULL’ DROP POINTS AGAIN AS: MATCH OFFICIALS ESCORTED IN CHAOTIC DRAW

‘BULL’ DROP POINTS AGAIN AS: MATCH OFFICIALS ESCORTED IN CHAOTIC DRAW
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Sanele Jele on 01/12/2024 07:35:00


BIG BEND – Chaotic!
Match officials required the protection of armed police following the MTN
Premier League clash, as the Mbabane Highlanders’ supporters expressed their
dissatisfaction with the referee’s decision to issue a red card to their
goalkeeper, Bhekisisa Dlamini. The encounter, held in Big Bend, ended in a
goalless draw, leaving both teams’ standings largely unaltered. Highlanders
sit four places from the bottom, having accumulated just nine points, while
Madlenya remain at the foot of the table, winless with a mere two points from
nine matches.
The tumultuous atmosphere ignited after referee Mciniseli Sithole judged Dlamini
to have fouled a Madlenya player Mncedisi Magagula, leading to his dismissal
with less than two minutes remaining. Fans erupted in protest, questioning the
validity of the red card, with some threatening to invade the pitch as a form of
protest against the referee’s decision.
Confrontation
As the noise seemed to settle, a confrontation arose behind the Highlanders’
dressing room when a Madlenya supporter was asked about his presence in the
Highlanders’ section. He was quickly escorted away by Madlenya officials.
Adding to the drama, a potential altercation occurred among Highlanders’ fans
after a disagreement over a supporter wearing a replica kit bearing the name of
Ally’s Group. The Highlanders fan defended his choice, insisting that he saw
no problem in wearing the replica, which he claimed represented the team.
However, others questioned his awareness of recent issues, pointing out that
South African Highlanders Director Ally Kgomongwe, has been accused of
neglecting the team and withholding resources.
One fan noted that the team had since switched to a Puma kit, a decision made
after Kgomongwe took the original kits. Other supporters rallied to defend the
fan, acknowledging his choice was misguided but expressing sympathy. In the past
four matches, Highlanders have been wearing Puma kits, and have been relying on
rented transport after Kgomongwe reportedly took his sprinter. Kgomongwe made
these changes because he believed certain individuals were trying to take
control of the team, prompting him to step back while not allowing them to use
his resources.
On the field, despite a number of opportunities, the ‘Black Bull’ struggled
to make an impact in the final third. Half chances fell to Mphucuko
‘Smoothies’ Dlamini, Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto and Thabiso Mokenkoane,
all of whom missed. ‘Smoothies’ could have scored but sent his shot over the
bar early in the match. Mokenkoane was frustrated when a shot from inside the
box hit the side netting ten minutes before the half-hour mark. Mkhonto’s
effort from the edge of the penalty area was expertly tipped over the bar by
Madlenya’s goalkeeper, Mndeni Lukhele, resulting in a wasted corner.
Madlenya came close to scoring too, but thanks to the outstanding performance of
Lukhele that Mokenkoane was denied a diving header twenty minutes before the
end. Madlenya’s Magagula thought he had scored with a header that narrowly
missed the target 17 minutes to the final whistle. The hosts nearly took the
lead as Melusi Tfwala’s shot was cleared off the line by Highlanders’
Ndumiso Mabuza 15 minutes from the conclusion of the match.