RAMPANT ‘BULL’ TOO STRONG FOR MAMBA

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
Highlanders…….. (0)3
Musonda 50th, Mncedisi 77th, Thabiso 89th 
G.Mamba……….. (0)1
‘Banny’ 62nd

LOBAMBA – A rampant Mbabane Highlanders stunned Green Mamba to march to the top eight on the MTN Premier League charts.

Shortly after the sound of the final whistle, supporters ‘bellowed’ their new song ‘Siyekeleni Sijabule,’ which is simply a demand to be merry, as their favourite side made light work of hoodoo side Green Mamba with a 3-1 win at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday. Coach Mlungisi ‘Professor’ Ngubane led them in a choreographed dance before he got a one-minute bear hug from an overjoyed team Chairman Zweli Jele on the synthetic track.

The celebrations were stretched to the back entrance of  the dressing rooms, as the roaring team loyalists were waiting to ‘roll a red carpet’ for their stars, who came to the clash dangling underdog nametags following a 0-3 thrashing in the reverse fixture.
Second half goals by Zambia-born import Michael Musonda, defender Mncedisi Dlamini and the skilful Thabiso Mokenkoane were all the ‘Black Bull’ needed to pass what was expected to be a tough test following one win in four previous meetings with Caleb Ngwenya’s men. The big win further propelled Highlanders from the ninth to the seventh spot on the charts with 31 points in 22 matches.

For a moment, it looked like Highlanders, who were robust for a change, would endure another frustrating outing after a goalless opening period and the pendulum had swung in Green Mamba’s favour at some point. They also had goalkeeper Sidumo Vilakati to thank for keeping the visitors at the bay.
Green Mamba, who are still holding on to their third spot, had to rue most of the opportunities created in the first half following a poor showing towards the end. However, their consolation goal was top notch, courtesy of a Banele ‘Banny’ Mdluli long ranger stunner.

Green Mamba had one of the best chances of the goal-less opening period, as former Swazi international Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo opted to sky his effort from two yards out from a Solomon Oladele supply on the half-hour mark. An earlier attempt by the latter, who was at the end of a lofted ball by Njabulo Tfwala, had been ruled for offside by referee Thembinkosi Dlamini, as Musa Dlamini, who was a little bit ahead, had gone for the same ball.
It was on resumption of play that Highlanders proved adventurous, with Musonda breaking the deadlock with a neat header from a Xolani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze cross in the 50th minute. However, an unmarked ‘Banny’, who was introduced for Somerset Mncina, restored parity with the long range drive from 25 yards out, as the Highlanders defenders stuttered in clearing their lines on their half.

A penalty appeal against Sanele Khumalo, who appeared to have handled the ball in the box, was turned down moments later. Green Mamba’s Mxolisi Mkhontfo’s rocket short from long range was parried to safety by Sidumo, who had a good day in office.

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