(At Prince of Wales Sports Ground)
Amawele……………………… 0
Highlanders………………… 2
Mkhonto 19th, Cele (p) 90th
MBABANE – Capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders marked a memorable afternoon with a composed 2–0 victory over Amawele, completing a league double and ending a brief winless run in style.
Played under sweltering skies at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground, the MTN Premier League Week 16 encounter also ushered in the second round of the season. Highlanders were ruthless when it mattered, scoring once in each half to condemn Amawele to another frustrating afternoon in the relegation zone.
The match was played against a colourful backdrop, in the absence of seating at the open venue, Mkhize watched from the boot of her Mercedes-Benz Viano before being ‘tekaed’ by jubilant supporters and dressed in Swati traditional regalia to celebrate the long-awaited win. It was Highlanders’ first victory since their 3–1 triumph over Tabankulu Celtics on December 27, 2025.
Amawele arrived with a game in hand following the rearrangement of their fixture against Ezulwini United, but off-field concerns lingered, with heavy police presence including four police vehicles and an ambulance stationed around the ground.
On the pitch, Highlanders set the tone early. Marksman Msimisi Zwane burst into Andile ‘Khune’ Zwane’s box but was denied by the Amawele goalkeeper.
Moments later, Hlobisani Maphanga tested Sisekelo Maseko with a well-struck effort, though the Highlanders defence, marshalled by Delisa Gama and Skipper Ndumiso ‘TLB’ Mabuza stood firm.
The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute. After Amawele defender Machawe ‘Bobo’ Dlamini fouled Wandile Sacolo in a dangerous area, Siyabonga Mkhonto stepped up and calmly curled the resulting free-kick beyond Khune, to give Highlanders a deserved lead.
Following a brief water break authorised by FIFA-accredited referee Thembinkosi ‘Dovos’ Dlamini, Amawele attempted to respond through set pieces taken by Maphanga, but to little effect.
Mhlengi Mngomezulu later forced a sharp save from Sisekelo, whose pedigree polished under former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo, was evident.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
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