LOBAMBA—Chief Ally Kgomongwe’s pre-match confidence counted for little as Amawele were humbled 4-1 by Mbabane Highlanders AM at Somhlolo National Stadium.
The game was staged on Saturday, October 3. The new Amawele boss had promised no mercy against his former club, but his side were instead outclassed by the capital city giants in a one-sided MTN Premier League Week Two encounter.
“We were working on getting a winning team and fortunately, got one. It is not easy for a team that was recently born to equalise. We played very good football and were giving them tough time,” Kgomongwe said.
The defeat left Amawele without a point after two matches, while Highlanders AM secured their first victory of the campaign.
The clash also pitted Kgomongwe against Highlanders AM president Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize, who watched her side deliver the response where it mattered most.
“We do not like to do our talking in the streets or social media. We did our talking on where it matters the most, on the field,” she said.
Asked whether she regarded Amawele as rivals, MaMkhize remained coy.
“I do not think we are rivals with them or anybody really. We just want to play the best we can and win as many games as possible. Well done to the boys today with their performance,” she said.
On the field, Highlanders AM raced into a three-goal lead through Gcina ‘Mkholo’ Matsebula, Thando Ndwandwe and Thando Dube before half-time.
Amawele pulled one back through Sibane Mdluli in the 71st minute, but Sikhumbuzo Mazibuko restored the three-goal advantage in the 90th minute. Amawele goalkeeper Bhekisisa Sikhondze later saved a penalty.
The match marked a perfect competitive debut for former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase after a three-year hiatus. However, his return was ruined by the Inkunz’emnyama emphatic victory.
