(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
LOBAMBA – Capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders AM cruised 4-1 past Amawele to claim the bragging rights in a pulsating MTN Premier League week two encounter staged under clear Somhlolo National Stadium skies yesterday.
The match was more than just a mini-derby; it was a high-profile showdown between South African club bosses Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize and Chief Ally Kgomongwe, who were both present to witness the action.
With the victory, Highlanders claimed their first three points of the campaign, while Amawele remain in search of an elusive point after suffering their second consecutive defeat. The stakes this season are higher than ever, with revised first-round incentives guaranteeing E130 000, while the eventual champions will pocket a staggering E1.185 million.
The fixture also served as the debut for former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase, marking his return to professional football after a three-year hiatus. Meanwhile, Bongiswa ‘Romario’ Dlamini and former Amawele marksman Mhlengi ‘Jiza’ Mngometulu made their first appearances in Inkunz’emnyama colours.
On the field, Floyd ‘Mourinho’ Mogale’s men laid down their intentions early. Attacking midfielder Gcina ‘Mkholo’ Matsebula opened the scoring after just six minutes with a quirky strike from outside the box. Thando Dube doubled the lead five minutes later, heading home from a corner kick following pressure on Amawele goalkeeper Bhekisisa Sikhondze.
Highlanders continued to press, and Dube grabbed his second and his side’s third in the 39th minute to leave the visitors reeling.
Trailing 3-0 at the break, Amawele coach Bongani Mhlongo introduced Sibane Mdluli and Samkelo Simelane to inject fresh impetus into the second half. The tactical switch yielded results in the 71st minute when substitute Mdluli capitalised on a defensive lapse, evading Highlanders captain Sandziso Dlamini to slot into an empty net and pull one back.
Amawele pushed for a lifeline, but Highlanders’ defence largely held firm. Any lingering hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the 90th minute when Sikhumbuzo Mazibuko reacted quickest inside a scattered box to prod home Highlanders’ fourth.
Highlanders could have added a fifth after earning a late penalty, but Sikhondze produced a smart save. Referee Thulani Sibandze soon blew his final whistle, sealing a comprehensive victory and sparking jubilant celebrations from Mogale and the ‘Bull’ faithful.
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