‘BULL’ HANDS ‘VELEKHAYA’ A RUDE WELCOME

MANZINI – Comeback kings!

That is Mbabane Highlanders who are back in their winning ways after snatching the maximum points to reclaim the spot. They beat Manzini Wanderers 4-2 from behind after suffering a disheartening 0-2 defeat by Royal Leopard who took home the E200 000 first round incentive three days ago in the same arena. It is now Highlanders on top as the second round began yesterday and Leopard who plays on Wednesday against Milling Hot Spurs can reclaim the top spot with a win. They lead Leopard by one point as they have 36, while the police side that plays in their CAF Confederation Cup game against Libya’s Al-Ittihad Tripoli today have 35 points with a game in hand.

Bull’s Captain Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa is the one who propelled the team to the comeback, increasing his lead in the scoring chat to 15 goals. He levelled matters after a run from the right wing before chipping it over to an empty net after a blunder from the goalkeeper Mcolisi Dlamini who left the goal post empty just under 10 minutes before the break. He cancelled out a goal from Wanderers, Fabrice Mopina who scored first in the ninth minute after outpacing Highlanders defence to face the goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala, who he beat to the far post to give Wanderers the lead. Mopina made it 2-1 three minutes later to silence their loud rivals’ grandstand going to the break. This was Mopina’s fifth goal as he completed his brace.

After the break, Philani Mkhontfo brought Highlanders level again with a close range tap-in after being nicely teed up by Sikhali. It looked as though the game was heading for a draw but Highlanders had other plans. Second half substitute, Siboniso ‘Mane’ Lukhele made it 3-2 inside the final 10 minutes after coming on for Philani Mkhontfo. They were not done as ‘Mane’ completed a brace in the final minute of the three added. What a rocket! He hit it so powerfully from just outside the box to the keeper with a low shot. It was 4-2 as the final whistle was blown by referee Thulani Sibandze. This also signaled a rude welcome for new head coach Velekhaya Mthethwa on his debut.

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