BLOODY END TO MBABANE DERBY

MBABANE – The MTN Premier League Week 10 had three derbies on the menu headlined by the massive clash between Mbabane arch rivals Swallows and Highlanders.

Some games were cancelled due to bad weather conditions, while mayhem was witnessed at Mavuso Sports Centre. The first one witnessed at the same venue about a month ago involved a group of Mbabane Highlanders fans who were baying for the blood of referee Mbongeni Shongwe after allowing a goal scored by Manzini Sea Birds’ Sandumuzi Zwane through a hand.
Another ugly scene in local football was yet again witnessed this past Saturday at the same venue, when Mbabane Swallows fans and supporters invaded the pitch in a bid to rearrange the face of towering referee Thembinkosi Dlamini. This was after he ruled against a goal scored by Felix Badenhorst, which was to level matters against Highlanders; the game eventually ended 2-1 in favour of the black and white capital city giants. Below are some of the things we learnt from the games:

Njabulo leads scorers
The Madlanya’s striker Njabulo Maziya has made scoring goals his habit, as he is now on top of the chart with nine goals in 10 games this term. He is closely followed by Mbabane Swallows lanky midfielder Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst who is on eight.

Swallows fan stabbed
A Mbabane Swallows fan had to be attended by medical officials after being stabbed from behind during the bloody skirmish that took place at Mavuso Sports Centre this past Saturday. We condemn such in our football as the games are now broadcast by Media Mora through SuperSport.

Entrance tug-of-war
The Mbabane capital giants clashed before the start of the epic clash between the two sides, as they fought for entry into the stadium. They wanted to use the same entry point, which did not go down well with the set of officials and a fight erupted.

Fans drenched in rain
Some fans were seen enjoying the torrential rain which ‘poured down’ before the start of the Mbabane derby. Others ran for cover. Two fans did not care about it, as one was seen sitting in the open until the rain stopped. He was later joined by other supporters who seemed to congratulate him for his bravery. Another fan was seen dancing in the rain.

Rain leaves damage
The technical bench shelters fell during the rain and had to be brought back to their original positions before the game started.

Marshal attempts to floor referee
It was disturbing to see a marshal attempting to tumble referee Thembinkosi Dlamini as he was running for dear life from the angry supporters towards the tunnels. Luckily for Dlamini, he was missed by the flying kick. The marshal should be brought to book as his duties are to make sure that violence does not occur during games.  

Star player of the Week:
Tshwarelo Bereng
(M. Highlanders)
The Lesotho-born import was instrumental for Highlanders winning the biggest fixture in local football as he was the chief tormenter in the midfield; he was rightly named the Man of the Match.

Coach of the Week:
Dumsani ‘DU’ Makhanya
(M. Highlanders)
The former Green Mamba gaffer was instrumental in the defeat of arch rivals Mbabane Swallows in the biggest fixture of Eswatini football, as his side beat Mbabane Swallows 2-1 in a fierce game played at Mavuso Sports Centre this past Saturday.

Team of the Week:
1. Sandanezwe Mathabela    (M. Swallows)
2. Melusi Magagula    (M. Highlanders)
3. Delisa Gama     (M. Highlanders)
4. Sibusiso Dlamini    (M. Sea Birds)
5. Tshwarelo Bereng    (M. Highlanders)
6. Muzi Tsabedze    (M. Sea Birds)
7. Philani Mkhonto    (M. Highlanders)
8. Njabulo Maziya    (Madlenya)
9. Felix Badenhorst    (M. Swallows)
10. Kenneth Moloto     (M. Highlanders)

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: