GUNFIRE AT MKHUZWENI AFTER: ‘INGWE’ TRIUMPH OVER HIGHLANDERS

BUHLENI – Violence erupted after the match between Mbabane Highlanders and Royal Leopard, requiring police intervention to restore order after their MTN Premier League match played here yesterday.

A police officer fired a shot to disperse the chaos that broke out during post-match interviews, triggered when a Leopard supporter allegedly doused others with traditional brew, buganu. This led to a fierce clash among more than fifty fans, who resorted to throwing chairs, stones and bottles. The brawl lasted around two minutes, only calming down after law enforcement intervened.

As this report was compiled, no arrests had been recorded, but several fans sustained injuries, with bruises to their arms. The match itself was exhilarating; with the capital city giants taking a 1-0 lead, thanks to Siyabonga Mkhonto’s stunning volley, deep into first-half stoppage time. However, Leopard demonstrated their tenacity by scoring two swift goals in response. Banele ‘Neymar’ Shongwe equalised, tapping in after a goalmouth scramble and Gift Gamedze clinched the victory with a well-timed strike in the final moments, igniting joyous celebrations among the police-side’s supporters.

Leopard maintained pole position at the top of the league table with 32 points from 14 matches, while ‘Bull’, under the guidance of Coach Thembela Dlamini, slipped to 10th place, with 13 points. This shift followed Ezulwini United’s win over Rangers, allowing them to move from 11th to 9th place with 15 points from 13 matches.

Highlanders entered the match as underdogs, having suffered a 2-0 defeat in the first round against same opponents, a match that left Melusi ‘Mega’ Magagula losing his eyesight for almost a month. The team is grappling with internal leadership disputes, where South African Director Ally Kgomongwe claims he remains at the helm despite termination reports. Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane is expected to assume leadership, expressing a willingness to support the club for at least six months if appropriate measures are taken to prevent disputes.

Despite their troubles, Highlanders excelled in the first-half, creating numerous opportunities but only scoring just before the half-time whistle through Mkhonto. The second half, however, saw a dramatic shift as Leopard’s tactical adjustments, particularly the introduction of dynamic twin brothers Fanelo and Lungelo Tsabedze, changed the game’s momentum.

Their relentless pressing led to Shongwe’s equaliser, followed by Gamedze’s decisive goal. He expertly controlled a cross from Lungelo and delivered a precise low shot that beat goalkeeper Qiniso Nyawo, inciting jubilant celebrations from the Leopard bench.

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