TAMBUTI HOLD MISFIRING ‘BULL’

LOBAMBA – The pressure is mounting on Mbabane Highlanders under-fire coach Alou Badara, following a frustrating 1-all draw with hoodoo side Tambuti last night.

A wonder second half strike by substitute Mpendulo Ngidi had caused panic among the visibly frustrated home supporters, before dependable Highlanders skipper Xolani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze came to the rescue 21 minutes from time.
Following a stuttering campaign so far, the ‘Black Bull’ needed all the points in the MTN Premier League clash at Somhlolo National Stadium, to keep the chasing pack in sight, while also easing the pressure on the team’s gaffer.  A win would have seen the ‘Black Bull’ moving two places up to occupy the fourth spot, but ended up on position five to stretch their win-less streak against the Lubombo-based ensemble to three matches in all competitions. Tambuti beat Highlanders 2-1 in the league second round last season and won by the same score line in the Ingwenyama Cup quarter-final.  Following the stalemate, they now trail leaders and Mbabane Swallows by nine points. For Tambuti, who are just a place above the drop zone with seven points, they also rued missed chances as they first matched their opponents, but lacked the needed mileage to last the game.

While Highlanders’ defending was clumsy in the goal-less opening period, Tambuti were pushing forward more often, but struggled to beat Sidumo Vilakati between the sticks. However, the best chance of the first half was for the hosts. ‘Chocco’ was denied by the woodwork after he was set up by Menzi Sithole. After the sides ‘forgot’ to attack in the first period, the deciding half had started in blistering pace. However, the home team had to endure a scare just six minutes after the resumption of play, as Ngidi benefitted from a Neliso Myeni assist, to unleash a stunner from the edge of the box.  Vilakati could only watch in disbelief. Highlanders were adventurous after the hour-mark and restored parity through ‘Chocco’, who drove the ball past Thokozani Mkhulisi, after the Tambuti defenders failed to clear their lines following a Mfanufikile ‘Fash’ Ndzimandze cross in the 69th minute. The goal injected pace into Highlanders’ game and they thought they were 2-1 up in the 78th minute , but Michael Musonda’s effort was flagged for offside by lanky assistant referee, Sifiso Nxumalo, who was noticeably unpopular with the hosts’ supporters. The black and white ensemble was finally playing with intent, but still only had the single strike to show for their late surge after the opponents tightened their backdoor. They are now win-less in two matches following the goal-less draw with Matsapha United last Sunday.

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