(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
Amawele ……………………….1
Sibane 71st
Highlanders AM …………..4
‘Gcina 6th, Thando 11th, 39th, Sikhumbuzo 90th
LOBAMBA – Capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders AM cruised to a 4-1 victory over Amawele, claiming bragging rights yesterday.
This was during a pulsating MTN Premier League week two encounter staged at Somhlolo National Stadium before a sizable crowd of spectators. This was not just a mini-derby match, but a battle between two high-profile bosses, Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize and Chief Ally Kgomongwe. They were both present to witness the clash unfold.
Following the win, Highlanders have accumulated three points, while Amawele still search for an elusive point, having lost their second consecutive game.
The stakes this season are raised by revised winning prizes, where the first-round ‘carrot’ winners are guaranteed E130 000, while the champions will earn a revised E1.185 million.
official return
The match served as the debut for former Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase, marking his official return to professional football after a three-year hiatus. Conversely, Bongiswa ‘Romario’ Dlamini made his first league game and former Amawele marksman Mhlengi ‘Jiza’ Mngometulu played his first match in ‘Inkunz’emnyama’ colours. The dominance was evident in the stands as Highlanders AM supporters sang until experienced FIFA-accredited referee Thulani ‘Goje’ Sibandze blew the final whistle.
On the field of play, South African tactician Floyd ‘Mourinho’ Mogale’s men let their intentions known early, with debutant and attacking midfielder Gcina ‘Mkholo’ Matsebula striking a quirky shot from outside the box just six minutes into the action. This was before defender Thando Dube stretched the lead five minutes later with a header from a corner kick following Amawele goalkeeper Bhekisisa Sikhondze’s error on the right flank.
crucial clearance
Conversely, Highlanders AM defender Sikhumbuzo Mazibuko made a crucial clearance in the 22nd minute as Sibusiso Mokiti looked to breach Romario’s perimeters. In the 33rd minute, Simiso Gumede’s long-range shot was saved as Sikhondze finally found his rhythm. However, five minutes later, Thando Dube registered his second for Highlanders AM, shortly before Amawele defender Khwezi Matsebula’s attempt failed.
Anticipating a more difficult second half, Amawele tactician Bongani Mhlongo introduced fresh legs before the break. However, Highlanders held a comfortable three-goal cushion as Sibandze signalled for halftime.
cleared danger
After the restart, Amawele pressed on as Ndwandwe cleared danger from Ntshangase’s neat pass. They earned three corner kicks that amounted to nothing before replacement Sibane Mdluli pulled one back in the 71st minute after evading Highlanders AM skipper Sandziso Dlamini to find an empty net.
At the other end, Highlanders’ pacey winger Hopewell Cele tried to find a breakthrough, but Tekano Tladi blocked his path six minutes later. As play continued, Highlanders AM midfielder Mfanzile Tfwala struck a good ball, which was safely gathered by Sikhondze. However, Mazibuko’s hard work finally paid off in the 90th minute as he converted inside the box with the Amawele backline scattered. Highlanders earned a late penalty kick, but Sikhondze made a fine save. Mogale celebrated his side’s first win of the season as the referee blew the final whistle.
