Times Of Swaziland: ‘BULL’ RISE FROM ASHES

‘BULL’ RISE FROM ASHES
================================================================================
Nimrod Hlophe on 13/01/2025 08:19:00


Mb. Highlanders ........(1) 2
Majahasibili 34th , Philani 90+2
Ezulwini United .........(0) 1
Banele 66th
MANZINI – City giants Mbabane Highlanders have finally ended their six-match
winless streak in the MTN Premier League with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over
Ezulwini United.
Prior to this crucial win at a rain-soaked Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday,
Highlanders’ last success came 67 days ago on November 6, 2024, when they
stunned Young Buffaloes 2-1 at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre. Since then, their
form had been a mixed bag of three draws and three defeats. However, this result
provided only minimal relief from relegation anxiety, as they leapfrogged the
‘Stingers’, as United are fondly known, moving up one place to 10th
position. Highlanders remain just six points above the relegation zone,
occupying the 10th spot with 13 points.
Meanwhile, United suffered a second consecutive defeat, dropping to 11th place
on the charts with 12 points, and they are yet to record a victory against the
city giants. The match began with a moment of silence in honour of the fallen
Manzini Sundowns legend, Fanie ‘The General’ Terblanche. Played under heavy
rain in a waterlogged pitch, it was a fiercely-contested affair, reminiscent of
the curtain-raiser between Moneni Pirates and Rangers. Both sides displayed
attacking intent from the onset, but neither team managed to register a shot on
target in the opening minutes.
In the 21st  minute, Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto’s curled free-kick
narrowly shaved the crossbar as Highlanders began to apply some pressure. By the
28th  minute, Ezulwini goalkeeper Innocent Adja, standing in for the suspended
Siyabonga Magagula, made a crucial save to deny the ‘Bulls’ captain. The
breakthrough arrived in the 34th  minute when Majahasibili ‘Giggs’ Ndlovu
put the ‘Black Bull’ ahead. Ndlovu looped the ball into the far corner from
close range after connecting with a pass from Siyabonga Mkhonto inside the
penalty area.
From that point onward, both sides battled for control before the half-time
whistle, but Musa Manyatsi’s side could not find an equaliser. Upon
resumption, United appeared to have gained the upper hand, searching for an
early equaliser.
fought
However, Highlanders fought back. ‘Mkasabuli’s free-kick was tipped over the
bar, just three minutes before the hour mark. Shortly after, Mangaliso
‘Ngrasho’ Nkambule had a chance to level the scores, but his ground shot was
saved by goalkeeper Bhekisisa Dlamini. Six minutes later, Banele Nkambule
equalised with a stunning low bullet shot that beat goalkeeper Bhekisisa
Dlamini. ‘Bulls’ coach Thembela Dlamini, responded by substituting Siyabonga
and Wandile Ntshakala for Siwakhile Shongwe and former United captain Mpucuko
‘Smoothies’ Dlamini, hoping to turn the tide.
United came close to securing their first win when Siboniso Motsa was fouled
inside the area by Ndumiso Dlamini, resulting in a penalty. Captain Mandla Palma
stepped up, as he did last week against Pirates, but unfortunately this time,
Bhekisisa blocked the attempt, and his defence cleared the ball for a fruitless
corner kick. This error served as a warning to the ‘Bulls’, who upped the
tempo. Sphamandla ‘24 Reasons’ Maseko’s effort was tipped over the bar
with five minutes remaining. Their relentless pressure finally paid off deep
into added time.
‘Smoothies’ Dlamini’s cross found ‘Mkasabuli’ inside the box, who
calmly slotted the ball home, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans,
securing a crucial victory for Coach Thembela in his first match in charge.