BIG BEND – Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize’s Mbabane Highlanders AM suffered their first defeat of the season after Royal Leopard claimed a 2-0 victory yesterday.
This was during a pulsating MTN Premier League week three encounter staged under scorching heat at Mayaluka Stadium before a sizeable crowd. Among those in attendance was Highlanders AM General Manager Richard Makhoba. However, the club president was absent as her charges lost their unbeaten record.
The high-stakes victory saw Leopard settle scores following last season’s 5-2 defeat against Inkunz’emnyama. Crucially, the result propelled ‘Ingwemabalala’ to the summit of the table with seven points after Moneni Pirates defeated Ubombo Sugar in a simultaneous fixture. Highlanders remain stuck on four points.
It was an intense clash that saw players on both sides forced off due to injuries. The deadlock was broken after just seven minutes when Hleliso ‘Muah’ Gamedze set up Malangeni Dlamini, who clinically beat goalkeeper Qiniso ‘Kati’ Nyawo.
Highlanders captain Zwelihle Phewa was later withdrawn with a head injury, forcing the ‘Bull’ into early tactical adjustments. However, Matsebula’s men dealt the decisive blow two minutes before the interval when Malangeni capitalized on a defensive error in the danger zone to complete his double.
In the second half, Floyd ‘Mourinho’ Mogale’s side searched for a route back into the contest. Hopewell Cele and Nkosivumile Zulu tested the Leopard defence, but former Highlanders custodian Sisekelo ‘Fashino’ Maseko and skipper Mzwandile ‘Tower’ Mabelesa held firm to seal all three points.
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