MBABANE – The country’s biggest derby rarely arrives without records waiting to be rewritten, scores to settle and bragging rights at stake.
This afternoon is no different. Exactly 60 days after they last met, Mbabane Highlanders AM and Mbabane Swallows renew hostilities with the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Charity Cup. On that previous occasion, September 2 under the floodlights in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup quarter-finals, the roar of ‘The Black Bull’ drowned out the warble of ‘Birds’ as Highlanders ran out emphatic 4-0 winners at the same meeting place.
However, today offers Mduduzi ‘Sikhalo’ Nxumalo’s Swallows a chance to erase that memory with this play-offs showdown ahead of the next league derby, which shall be the MTN Premier League one. On the other end, Thembela Dlamini will be determined to ensure that Highlanders stand its ground and make it three wins in a row against their oldest rivals across all competitions.
It is worth noting that both coaches stepped into the hot seat only last month after the previous head coaches, Floyd Mogale and Sindiso Gama resigned, respectively. Neither may fully realise the long history these two clubs share in the Charity Cup. Highlanders and Swallows are tied on four titles each from the old Swazi Telecom / Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) Charity Cup era, which last ran in 2019 and were won by ‘Bull’. Only Manzini Wanderers sit above them with five triumphs from 18 editions. Royal Leopard claimed three, while Manzini Sundowns and Moneni Pirates also tasted success.
The capital giants met three times in Charity Cup finals. Highlanders’ sole victory came in 2008 when a goalless draw was settled 5-4 on penalties after Swallows missed from the spot.
Form, of course, counts for little in a derby. ‘Umkhonto KaShaka’ have shown gradual improvement in their last two games with a rebuilt squad, while the ‘black and white’ have also raised their game. A single point currently separates the sides in the league, with the ‘Bull’ just ahead.
Highlanders will look to midfielder Smiso Gumede and Captain Sandziso Dlamini to help them progress to the main tournament, while Goalkeeper Qiniso Nyawo remains a safe pair of hands. Sphiwe Cele’s tricky movement up front is expected to keep Swallows defence on their toes.
For ‘Birds’, Thobani Kunene arrives in deadly form after scoring in three consecutive matches. Cameroonian defensive midfielder Lerinick Mugwan and Sandanezwe Mathabela will be central to any hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
