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TOP 4 RACE HEATS UP

28/02/2023 08:31:00 Machawe Fakudze

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MBABANE - Young Buffaloes’ chances to close the gap between them and log leaders Green Mamba were derailed by the persistent rains.

The rains made the Mhlume Stadium unplayable as it was waterlogged. The army side was playing host to rookies Nsingizini Hotspurs in an MTN Premier League match at this venue, also known as Nsukuwansuku Stadium. Referee on the day Thokozani Dlamini called off the game in the 26th minute with the scoreboard reading 0-0. The pitch was so slippery such that the rookies’ star player Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza was stretchered off after he slipped and twisted his knee just 15 minutes into the game.

The Mandla ‘Stofu’ Dlamini-coached side are now trailing log leaders Green Mamba by four points. Most of the other Week 17 fixtures were played on Saturday, which saw 14 goals scored. Mbabane Swallows and Royal Leopard proved ‘trigger happy’. Swallows scored four unanswered goals past rookies Seven Dreams on Friday, while Leopard won 3-1 over Tambuti on Thursday. Here are some of the things we noted in Week 17 fixtures:

Fans seek shelter under banner
Mbabane Highlanders fans had to hide under the MTN banner as a heavy downpour was witnessed during the game between Madlenya and their team at Mayaluka Stadium in Big Bend on Saturday. They decided to use the banner to protect themselves from the rain.

No paramedics
It was disturbing to see Tambuti midfield maestro Mpendulo Ngidi being carried by the team’s medic on his back, as there were no paramedics at the game between the Lubombo-based side and defending champions Royal Leopard on Thursday at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground, which the latter won 3-1.

‘Bull’ coaches seal it with hug
Mbabane Highlanders coaches in Head Solly Luvhengo and his assistant Dumsani ‘DU’ Makhanya sealed their last minute win over Madlenya with a bear hug.

Fans enjoy Buganu
Since it was a weekend of the Buganu Festival, which was held at Buhleni Royal Residence, some Highlanders fans decided to celebrate the day while watching their team square up with Madlenya at Mayaluka Stadium. They were seen taking sips while the game was in progress. It was good that they enjoyed the brew without causing any violence.

Star Player of the Week:
Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorts (M. Swallows). The former national team Sihlangu marksman is currently in scintillating form, as he never ceases to score goals for his team. He scored a brace in their 4-0 win over Seven Dreams on Friday to take his tally to 14 so far in the season.

Coach of the Week: Caleb Ngwenya (M. Swallows)
The former Vovovo gaffer deserves this gong as he helped his side to win four games in a row. It was their goal in the new year to win the first four games. He orchestrated the 4-0 demolition of rookies Seven Dreams on Thursday.

Madlenya official sprinkles water
A Madlenya official caught our attention when he decided to sprinkle water by the Mbabane Highlanders technical area. For this action, he might attract the wrath of the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC) as it frowns upon such an act.

Young fan looks the part
A young Mbabane Highlanders fan was spotted dressed in the team’s branded outfit, as he sat alone watching his beloved team narrowly beating rookies Madlenya 2-1 at Mayaluka Stadium on Saturday.

‘Bull’s Elijah’s rousing moment
Mbabane Highlanders supporter Elijah Mavimbela celebrated his side’s win over Madlenya in style as he danced upon the final whistle. Mavimbela is a ‘replica’ of the late Orlando Pirates self-proclaimed number one supporter Mgijimi, as he smears a white substance on his face, which was Mgijimi’s trademark.