IN FEISTY MBABANE DERBY: ‘BIRDS’ BULLY ’LANDERS!

MANZINI – Mbabane Swallows have claimed messy long-time rivals Mbabane Highlanders’ scalp to soar to the summit of the MTN Premier League charts.

Two unanswered goals by the impressive pair of Mancoba ‘Nciba’ Vilakati and Siyabonga ‘Gusheshe’ Zwane ensured the visitors emerged victorious at a rain-soaked Mavuso Sports Centre. The match, steeped in tension and internal turmoil from both camps, drew over 3 000 passionate fans eager to witness the spectacle of Eswatini’s most significant football rivalry. Fans packed the stands despite earlier reports suggesting that the game would be broadcast live on Eswatini TV, before the move was aborted under unclear circumstances.  

Disarray

Highlanders found themselves in disarray, as a faction of supporters took control following Managing Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe’s decision to freeze assets, further complicating the team’s preparations. Swallows, meanwhile, had to cope without their promising recruit, Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula, who was sidelined due to yellow cards accumulation.

As the teams took to the pitch, the atmosphere was electric, tinged with the palpable anxiety of both sets of fans. Swallows’ supporters were motivated by the presence of midfielder Given Lukhele at the stadium. The latter had recently recovered from a severe car accident, adding an emotional layer to the proceedings.

In a surprising twist, Highlanders opted not to warm up, a move reminiscent of their previous outing against Young Buffaloes, where they played in makeshift kits provided by supporters. This disorganisation was evident as they took to the field just moments before kick-off, quickly returning to the tunnel as they prepared for battle.

However, they appeared more stylish in their predominantly black Puma jerseys. The inscription, ‘Phibs’, was clearly visible on the front of the jerseys, leading to speculation that a former director with a link with Sidwashini-based Phibs Guest House may have joined the long list of supporters helping to rescue the team.

Managing Director Chief Kgomongwe did not attend, alongside Head Coach Mthunzi Ginindza. Interestingly, it was former Public Relations Officer (PRO) Mandla Madonsela who distributed the team list to the media, and he is thought to be part of the ‘task team’ managing the team.
The match commenced with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. In the 19th minute, Highlanders thought they had taken the lead when Mpucuko Dlamini’s glancing header found the net, only for it to be ruled offside after a precise cross from the ever-green Philani Mkhonto.

With the first-half winding down, it was Swallows’ ‘Nciba’ who broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from outside the box, the ball crashing off the woodwork and into the net in the 40th minute. They headed into half-time with a narrow lead. Highlanders started the deciding half with renowned vigour and almost restored parity minute after the restart, but Mkhonto’s effort from close range was heroically blocked by Kwakhe Thwala.  While it was see-saw, Swallows capitalised on Highlanders’ defensive frailties, as ‘Gusheshe’ found the back of the net in the 49th minute, doubling their advantage after a chaotic clearance attempt from the Highlanders’ defence.

Energetic

Highlanders, despite the introduction of the energetic Siwakhile Shongwe, struggled to muster any significant threat, with Mkhonto remaining the sole bright spot in an otherwise lacklustre performance. Swallows maintained control, executing their game plan with precision and poise, ultimately sealing the match with a 2-0 victory and reclaiming the top spot from Royal Leopard. As the final whistle blew, jubilant Swallows fans erupted in celebration, their voices echoing through the stadium as they awaited the chance to meet their victorious heroes. For Highlanders, it was back to the drawing board, as they found themselves still languishing outside the top eight, grappling with the fallout of yet another derby defeat.

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