‘BULL’ STAR PHILANI OUT FOR A MONTH

MBABANE – Mbabane Highlanders have been dealt a huge blow following a serious injury to enterprising midfielder Philani Mkhonto.

The Sihlangu star fractured his ankle during the Mbabane derby where they won 2-1 against Mbabane Swallows and referee of the day Thembinkosi Dlamini had waved play on, much against the disapproval from fans. The referee waved play on until he saw Mkhonto writhing in pain and Bonginkhosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini took the ball out of play to force the referee to stop the game. Dlamini signalled for the team doctors to come and check on the player who was involved in a rough tackle with Leon Manyisa. For about three minutes, the game was stopped while the team doctors gave him first aid inside the field of play. It turned out that the Sihlangu midfielder was seriously injured and had to be stretchered out of the field of play. Paramedics were called to attend to the player and it was said he had fractured his ankle upon close inspection.

disappointed

Highlanders were disappointed about the incident as they felt the referee could have given a foul to the player. They voiced out this through the team Public Relations Officer (PRO), Kenneth Dlamini. “Philani’s injury seemed bad while match officials signaled play on. Doctors have put him on a plaster of paris and he has been ruled out of action for not less than four weeks, effective December 18, 2022,” said Dlamini. He said this was a big blow for Highlanders to lose a player of Mkhonto’s calibre. “This is really bad, especially when heading for such crucial and tense games. Of course, the team has quality players to step in the role of Philani but individual talent cannot be matched and replaced. How we wish he recovers before the duration specified by the doctors,” he added.

The player will be out of their clash against Green Mamba.The game was slated for Friday before it was postponed by the PLE to the last weekend of this year. Other matches that the captain is likely to miss will be that against Young Buffaloes on week 12 of the league. The ‘Black Bull’ could also have to do without him when they face defending champions Royal Leopard on week 13. The next three remaining fixtures will be vital for the ‘Bull’ as they are still in contention to win the E100 000 first round carrot.

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