(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Mb. Highlanders AM …..(1)2
Phewa 43rd (pen), Bhekani 90+3
Mb. Swallows ………………(0)0
MANZINI – The ‘Black Bull’ roared, ‘MaMkhize’ danced and Mavuso Sports Centre shook!
Over 3 000 fans witnessed Mbabane Highlanders AM book their place in the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Charity Cup semi-finals after sinking bitter rivals Mbabane Swallows 2-0 at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday.
It was a victory sealed by Zwelihle Phewa’s first-half penalty and Bhekani Mthembu’s dramatic stoppage-time strike, but the celebrations that followed belonged to the unforgettable theatre of the Mbabane derby.
When the final whistle sounded, Highlanders President Shauwn ‘Mamkhize’ Mkhize could no longer contain her excitement. She leapt from the stands, raced down to join the players and technical bench, and danced as the Highlanders faithful erupted into a deafening chorus of ‘Mamkhize! Mamkhize!’
For several minutes, the stadium reverberated with the chants as the South African businesswoman celebrated with the team.
The ‘Black Bull’ had not only conquered their oldest rivals, but had also repeated their September 2 triumph, when they demolished Swallows 4-0 in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup quarter-finals.
Yesterday’s result also handed Head Coach Thembela Dlamini a significant victory in his first major derby assignment since taking charge following Floyd Mogale’s resignation. Swallows, meanwhile, were under the guidance of interim Coach Mduduzi ‘Sikhalo’ Nxumalo following Sindiso Gama’s departure. The result sees Swallows missing the semi-finals for the first time.
The contest began at a frenetic pace, with both sides showing an appetite for attacking football. Swallows, sporting their new red kit, looked dangerous through Thobani Kunene, whose individual brilliance almost produced an early breakthrough.
opportunity
The former was involved in Swallows’ first meaningful opportunity in the 15th minute, taking on defenders before firing wide from close range.
Highlanders responded five minutes later, but Nkosivumile Zulu narrowly missed the target after finding himself in a promising position.
Swallows continued to threaten, with Mvuselelo Mthethwa failing to connect with Kunene’s dangerous cross in the 22nd minute.
Goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela was then called into action, producing a save to deny Sikhumbuzo Mazibuko’s free-kick in the 25th minute.
At the other end, Lethukukhanya Dlamini unleashed a dangerous volley, only for Highlanders goalkeeper Qiniso Nyawo to produce an excellent stop and preserve parity.
However, the breakthrough arrived in the 43rd minute when Highlanders were awarded a penalty after defender Celso Chauchane brought down Mazibuko just inside the box. Mathabela protested the decision and was cautioned by referee Njabulo Sphepho.
Phewa stepped forward and showed ice-cold composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Highlanders a precious lead heading into the interval.
Swallows returned with renewed purpose after the restart, with Sandziso Masuku coming agonisingly close in the 63rd minute as his low effort narrowly missed the target.
Thandolwethu Sihlongonyane also wasted a promising opportunity in the 69th minute, lifting the ball over the crossbar despite having time and space to do better.
Highlanders, meanwhile, threatened on the counter and looked increasingly dangerous as Swallows pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
The ‘Birds’ nearly equalised in the 90th minute following a promising move involving Bavukile Shabangu and Simanga Dlamini, but Nyawo intervened to keep the clean sheet
The decisive blow, however, arrived three minutes into added time. Hopewell Cele delivered a telling cross and Mthembu was perfectly positioned to finish, sending the Highlanders supporters into delirium.
The final whistle unleashed scenes of unrestrained celebration as Mamkhize joined the players on the pitch, dancing to the thunderous chants of the Highlanders faithful.
The result sends Highlanders into the semi-finals alongside Ubombo Sugar, Nsingizini Hotspurs and Moneni Pirates, setting up an intriguing final-four battle.
draw
The semi-final draw is expected to take place tomorrow or Tuesday, with the final scheduled for November 8 at a venue yet to be announced.
The champions will pocket E400 000, while the runners-up will receive E200 000. Each of the four semi-finalists is guaranteed E100 000, with the eliminated quarter-finalists Mbabane Swallows and Green Mamba receiving E50 000 each.
Meanwhile, the National First Division Charity Cup final will see Lozitha Spurs take on Nkwene Sundowns.
The victory also carried historical significance for Highlanders, who are the defending champions, having beaten Manzini Wanderers 3-1 in the 2019 Charity Cup final. The competition has returned after a seven-year absence, with the Black Bull now firmly in the hunt to retain their crown.
For Swallows, however, the defeat marked a historic setback. Since the Charity Cup’s inception in 2002, the Birds had never failed to reach the final. Their elimination by Highlanders in the semi-finals therefore brings an end to a remarkable 24-year run, leaving the red and white faithful to contemplate an unfamiliar early exit from a competition they have long dominated.
