MBABANE – Mbabane Highlanders Head Coach Ernest Mavuso has hit out at the decision to proceed with Saturday’s fixture at a waterlogged King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, labelling the surface ‘unplayable’.
A torrential downpour lashed Nhlangano just an hour before the scheduled 3pm kick-off, delaying proceedings by 11 minutes. The black and white outfit lodged a formal verbal complaint with referee Thulani Sibandze after a massive pool of water settled in the half they occupied during the opening stanza. Despite ground staff attempting to clear the artificial turf with squeegees, the conditions remained dire.
Post-match, a frustrated Mavuso disclosed that his side was forced to abandon their tactical blueprint to suit the sodden conditions. However, he stopped short of blaming the weather for their 4-2 defeat, acknowledging that Nsingizini Hotspurs had to contend with the same ‘paddy field’ environment.
Mavuso, instead, rued a critical foul in a dangerous area, which allowed Yeki Khumalo to seize the lead for Mandla Qhogi’s men. While the loss leaves ‘Bull’ hovering a precarious three points above the relegation zone, Mavuso remained defiant, insisting his side will not go down.
Meanwhile, Nsingizini Coach Qhogi admitted the pitch was a ‘complication’ that forced his side to ‘tear up the playbook’ and resort to route one long balls. Having secured the maximum points, he confirmed Insingizi Yezulu have already shifted focus to Ubombo Sugar.
The league is now set for a hiatus this coming weekend for the Ingwenyama Cup Last 16, with the draw scheduled for today at 11am.
Leave a comment