‘BULL’ GORE TYCOONS TO REACH LAST 16 SPOT

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

H. Tycoons............................. (0)0
Highlanders........................... (3)4
Sizwe 9th (OG), ‘Chocco’ 33rd, Menzi 41st, 62nd

LOBAMBA – As rain swept across Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday, an improving Mbabane Highlanders bucketed down goals against a jittery Hlatikulu Tycoons.

Following a nightmarish campaign in the league, the convincing 4-0 win over the National First Division side in the SwaziBank Cup grand opening clash was just what the doctor ordered for the two-time champions. Tycoons’ full-back, Sizwe Mhlanga, set the tone for a flawless outing for the visitors as he headed a deceptive Xolani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze cross from the right wing past his own goalkeeper. Sibusiso Simalane, when the game was nine minutes old. ‘Chocco’ and midfielder, Menzi Sithole, who noticeably played upfront, were on target as the black and white ensemble torn the hapless opposition into shreds to march past the first hurdle again.

Tycoons, who committed schoolboy errors that eventually led to the sending off  of Mhlonishwa Dlamini for a second bookable offence, had nothing much to offer despite making attempts to get into the opposition’s last third. 
After being gifted the opening goal, Highlanders, were asking more questions, especially through ‘Chocco’, who flooded more balls into the box.  The latter eventfully punished the stuttering Tycoons defence as he connected a Sifiso Zwane cross from the right  to fire home from close range in the 33rd minute before Sithole ensured his team would go into the break with a three-goal cushion eight minutes later. He was also set up by Zwane with a pint-point cross from the left.

Highlanders were still in the ascendancy after the re-start, with ‘Chocco’s drive from outside the box ricocheting off the woodwork just before the hour mark.
With the away side, still stretching and easily shaking off the opposition’s defence, it was no surprise when Sithole stormed the box from another quick attack to steer home his second and team’s fourth in the 62nd minute.
Despite introducing the attack-minded trio of Reagan Kangumbu, former Bad Boys striker, Sifiso Dlamini, and debutant in winger, Mzwandile ‘Navara’ Ndzimandze, Highlanders could not add to their tally. It did not matter at the end as the damage had already been done.

The result meant the ‘Black Bull’ would be among all the 12 Premier League teams in today’s last 16 draw. For Tycoons, they failed to go past the first round for a second consecutive year after losing by the same score line against Moneni Pirates.

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