‘BULL’ COACH GRACIOUS IN DEFEAT

MANZINI – Despite a setback in 8Bet Trade Fair Cup, capital city giants Highlanders Coach Mthunzi Ginindza is confident the team will leave a mark in the new season.

He said this during a post-match interview, after their 1-3 defeat to Manzini Sea Birds in the E2 million-sponsored one-week tournament at Mavuso Sports Centre, two days ago.
For the first time in five years, Highlanders were forced out early in this tournament. Left-back Ndumiso Dlamini beat his own goalkeeper as he attempted to clear a clean shot in the 10th minute. Meanwhile, returning player Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini pulled one back for Highlanders from the penalty spot inside 23 minutes.

Sea Birds dominated in the second half, with former Nsingizini Hotspurs goal-poacher Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza firing a brace to put the game beyond Highlanders’ reach. “I will not attack my boys, as they played well according to my tactics. Despite the bad results, they showed a good display of football. Most of the players are new and they are still to connect well. I’m confident we will be able to compete well this season. A tournament is different from the league,” he said. Meanwhile, Sea Birds Manager and former defender Thembumenzi Mayisela, said they capitalised on Highlanders’ mistakes. “They have a relatively new squad, so we’ve opted to capitalise on that. We had numerous friendly games outside our country, so that helped us a lot. Going forward, we have to maintain our focus to get good results,” he said.

Ruthless

In a simultaneous fixture, last year semi-finalists Madlenya suffered a blow after crashing out early. Two unanswered strikes by a ruthless Shiselweni based-outfit Rangers forced the side out. Rangers’Mlungisi Hlatjwako’s scored inside two minutes, to register a contender for the fastest goal of the tournament, with Nduduzo Mvakali doubling the advantage a minute from time. Late into the last half, Rangers substitute Nduduzo Mvakali took Madlenya defence for a ride, as he invaded their 18-yard sliding a beauty, thus stretching the lead. Following the results Rangers will face Sea Birds in the quarter-finals this Thursday. “Our challenge was the early goal. However, we have learnt from our mistakes,” Gamedze said. Meanwhile, Rangers head coach Sihle Mavimbela said despite the win they still needed to fix some issues inside the pitch.

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