Mbabane Swallows ……… (1) 1
Vilakati 21st
Mbabane Highlanders … (0) 0
MANZINI – In the cathedral of Eswatini football, amid the hallowed, mud-slicked turf of the Mavuso Sports Centre, history didn’t just repeat itself – it screamed.
The capital remains painted red and white. In a clash defined by grit, steel and a numerical disadvantage that seemed only to embolden them, Mbabane Swallows started 2026 by reaffirming a decade-long hegemony, securing their 10th derby triumph in 11 years over a crestfallen Mbabane Highlanders.
It was Mancoba ‘Nciba’ Vilakati, a man who treats the Mbabane derby as his own personal theatre, who provided the definitive stroke.
In the 21st minute, as the rain-heavy air hung thick over the hub of the nation, Vilakati pounced. After Phandemoya’s initial thunderbolt – born from a defensive calamitously misjudged by Ndumiso Mabuza – was parried by Sisekelo Maseko, ‘Nciba’ was there. The poacher’s instinct; the easy tap-in; the explosion of joy from the Swallows faithful.
The occasion was draped in prestige. Beneath the watchful eyes of Prince Majaha and Member of Parliament (MP) Bishop Bhekibandla Vilakati, and amid the administrative elite, including MTN Eswatini Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jerry Soko and Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Polycarp Dlamini, the drama unfolded. Even Highlanders President Shauwn Mkhize could not remain a passive observer, frequently rising in desperate encouragement as her side huffed and puffed, but failed to blow the ‘red house’ down.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
Leave a comment