‘PROFESSOR’S ‘BULL’ GET POINT FROM PIRATES

LOBAMBA – A draw is better than losing.

That was how new Mbabane Highlanders coach Mlungisi ‘Professor’ Ngubane viewed the goalless draw with Moneni Pirates yesterday in the MTN Premier League. The game was played at Somhlolo National Stadium before more or less 3 000 fans. It was an end to end game but lacked goals as both sides failed to locate the back of the net. Chances were created but often went begging, especially for Highlanders in the second half as they lacked a finisher. It should have at least gone to the break with both sides level at 1-1. Pirates’ winger Sihle Ndaba took on defenders on the left wing, got inside the box and laid the ball for Fanelo Mamba, whose tap-in was saved by keeper Sidumo Vilakati with his feet in the 33rd minute. Highlanders responded in the 45th but midfielder Bongani ‘Chicken’ Sibandze’s effort was blocked by young midfielder and man of the match Rio Matsenjwa from Young Buffaloes’ under-20s. However, there were calls for a penalty as the ball also came off his hand but it was not given. However, Pirates had just suffered the same fate as ‘Chicken’ also appeared to use his hand inside the box as he blocked a Sihle Ndaba cross.

The teams went into the breather and returned with new plans but still there was no goal. They came at each other just like in the first half. Pirates should have been up in the 84th but Sihle Ndaba’s rasping effort came off the woodwork with keeper Sidumo well beaten. Highlanders’ Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule saw his ferocious free kick punched out by the keeper Siyabonga Zwane  in the 61st after letting go a host of chances.
Both sides were also found guilty of wayward shooting and lack of aggression upfront but their football was emphatic. Interestingly, they all came with new coaches who were in their first official matches here. Pirates are led by Ernest Mavuso who left Manzini Sundowns for this new job. Their teams will not be going up or down the log table but remain stagnant at position eight for Highlanders and 10 for Pirates.

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