(At Mkhuzweni Technical Centre)
M. Highlanders…..3
Mashwama 44th, Shoes 67th, Cele 86th
Tab. Celtics………..1
Malangeni 13th
BUHLENI – Capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders signed off the 2025 calendar year with a roar rather than a whisper, powering past ten-man Tabankulu Celtics 3–1 to restore pride, rhythm, and belief in an MTN Premier League match yesterday.
The ‘Black Bull’, winless since early December, rediscovered their clinical edge at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre. While the result does not shift their league position, they remain eighth with 17 points. The victory certainly lifts the mood and provides a vital morale boost ahead of the eagerly awaited Mbabane derby on January 4, 2026.
Celtics struck first, and largely against the run of play. A failed Highlanders free-kick proved to be their undoing as Phiwa Shabangu released Malangeni Dlamini, who controlled with composure before thundering a shot past Sisekelo Maseko in the 13th minute.
Highlanders responded with immediate intent. Siyabonga Mkhonto tested Nkosingiphile Mathe, who produced a superb reflex save, before misfortune struck the ‘Bull’ as Bongumusa Fakudze was forced off injured. He was replaced by Wandile Sacolo at the half-hour mark.
Parity arrived on the stroke of half-time. Sphiwe ‘Klate’ Cele turned architect, threading a precise pass for Merngas Mashwama, who finished clinically across the goalkeeper in the 44th minute. Moments later, the game tilted decisively in Highlanders’ favour. Celtics’ talisman Dlamini, the scorer of 11 goals this season, was shown a straight red card by referee Thulani Sibandze following a reckless challenge on Sacolo.
With a numerical advantage, Highlanders pressed hard after the restart but were initially frustrated, striking the woodwork and squandering several clear openings. Celtics nearly punished that wastefulness when Senzo Mayeyane’s fierce drive forced a sharp save from Maseko.
The breakthrough finally came in the 67th minute. After Cele’s free-kick rattled the frame of the goal, Ayanda “Shoes” Mabuza reacted quickest, stabbing the ball home from close range to put the ‘Bull’ ahead.
The final seal was emphatic. With four minutes remaining, the conductor-in-chief Cele controlled the ball, rounded the goalkeeper and rolled in Highlanders’ third to crown a commanding individual and team display. Celtics remain seventh on 21 points, four ahead of Highlanders, but they will sorely miss the suspended Dlamini in their next clash against Ezulwini United.
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