NO ‘BULL’ CROWD INTIMIDATION

MBABANE – It’s a last man standing match – that is Mbabane Highlanders against Matsapha United in tomorrow’s most-anticipated SwaziBank Cup quarter-final clash.
The match is scheduled for 4pm at the Somhlolo National Stadium after another derby tie between Manzini Wanderers and Manzini Sundowns at 2pm.

With Highlanders’ Captain Xolani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze declaring their supporters would be happiest after full time during Tuesday’s draw at SwaziBank, his Matsapha United equal Vusumuzi Zungu has responded.
“It’s been 50/50 with them. I am glad that this time one must win and may the best team win. It’s indeed a competitive game where one team must win and it’s clear both sides want it,” he said as he referred to their MTN League first and second round goalless draws.

The former Highlanders midfielder said the spirit in his camp was okay and ‘this was not new to them’ but they were preparing and working hard for it.
“We’re also just keeping well and bonding with our coach but just unlucky with the results otherwise so far so good,” he responded when questioned about their relationship with national under-20 coach Dumisani ‘DU’ Makhanya who took over from Zimbabwean Saul Chaminuka.

On the question of the Highlanders’ 12th man which is very intimidating, he said they were now used to big games and the crowd won’t affect them. Zungu’s team come into this game as runners-up in last year’s tournament, where they made history by becoming the first team to beat Mbabane Swallows who had not tasted defeat in the league and Ingwenyama Cup. Matsapha won 1-0 in the last 16 and at the time were in the First Division.

Their do or die clash with Highlanders is interesting for simple reasons that include Matsapha’s leadership naturally worshipping with the former and at least three Matsapha players wore the Highlanders black and white three seasons ago.
These are Zungu, defenders Jimoh Moses and Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Gamedze.

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