AGAINST ALL ODDS.... LIMPING ‘BULL’ UPSET ‘BUFFS’

BUHLENI – Despite being entangled in challenges within their camp, Mbabane Highlanders pulled a rabbit out of the hat to claim the big scalp of Young Buffaloes.

Against all odds, Highlanders pulled off a remarkable victory against the army side in a lively MTN Premier League match played at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre, outside Buhleni. This win marked a significant comeback for the ‘Black Bull’, ending Amathole Ezinyathi’s three-season dominance over them. Their last triumph against the army side occurred on the same date in 2021, when they also won 2-1. The result kept Highlanders clear of the drop zone while Buffaloes were derailed in their pursuit of the E100 000 first round ‘carrot.’

Veteran striker Phiwayinkhosi ‘S’lwabelwabe’ Dlamini opened the scoring within the first 10 minutes. However, Captain Philani Mkhonto equalised just before half-time.  In the second half, Ndumiso Dlamini netted the winner, securing Highlanders’ second league victory of the season. This victory propelled Highlanders from 12th  to 10th place, while Buffaloes slipped to seventh. Highlanders entered this crucial match showing visible signs of distress. They arrived in an Iveco Sprinter instead of their usual Mercedes-Benz, although they paraded a brand new Nike kit.

In a high-stakes game, Head Coach Mthunzi Ginindza was absent from the technical bench, leaving Assistant Sifiso ‘Barnes’ Mkhulisi in charge. The team also had only four substitutes available. Buffaloes’ medical team stepped in during the first half, as Highlanders lacked their own medical personnel. Notably, other members of the management committee, including Team Manager Simiso Jele and Public Relations Officer Kenneth Dlamini, were also absent from the stadium.

Maintained

Despite the turmoil, Highlanders maintained their composure.  Early in the match, Sibonelo Sibandze delivered a cross that ‘S’lwabelwabe’ headed home with a diving effort, leaving goalkeeper Bhekisisa Dlamini stranded. Buffaloes, however, did not let the early setback deter them. They failed to capitalise on opportunities, with Njabulo ‘Giggs’ Magongo missing a golden chance inside the box just before half-time.  Moments later, Captain Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto levelled the score with a low shot that slipped past goalkeeper Mlungisi Nxumalo, leaving Buffaloes in disbelief.

The teams went into the break level, but the second half saw Highlanders take control. Just two minutes after the restart, ‘Giggs’ squandered another chance, ballooning a shot over the bar, after connecting with a cross from Mpucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini. As the match progressed, frustration mounted for Buffaloes, who struggled to penetrate a resolute Highlanders’ defence led by Ndumiso Mabuza and Thabo Langa.In the 71st minute, Ndumiso Dlamini stunned the hosts with a powerful shot from close range, which was too hot for Nxumalo to handle, giving Highlanders the lead.

This goal was set up by Siwakhile Shongwe during a throw-in. Buffaloes attempted to rally and equalise, launching aerial balls into the box, but they could not find the breakthrough before the final whistle. It was a sweetest of victories for Highlanders, ahead of the big derby against archrivals Mbabane Swallows, on Sunday.

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