BULL ‘RUBBER-ED’ TO 3RD

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)
Mb. Citizens……(0)0
Highlanders…….(0)0

LOBAMBA – Mbabane Citizens seem to have a recipe for stopping big guns?

The Premier League rookies have frustrated another giant in Mbabane Highlanders with a goal-less draw at a nearly-packed Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday. Like in the fixture against Mbabane Swallows, they were compact and stole the point with a clean sheet. Citizens players and officials were treated to a bear hug by team Director and former Highlanders boss Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane, as they marched back to the tunnels after the sound of referee Mbongeni Shongwe’s final whistle.

The hosts missed injured talisman Panawe Talboussouma, but still had verve to avoid defeat against the illustrious opponents and could have also won it as they got the better chances at goal. The draw was like defeat to the ever animated Highlanders loyalists, as their favourite side was fresh from a celebrated 2-1 win over runway leaders Green Mamba. It has been short-lived joy, as they have since dropped from second to third after Young Buffaloes’ 2-0 win over Manzini Sundowns and further risk being derailed in their chase for the E350 000 first round ‘carrot’. If Green Mamba beat Malanti Chiefs today, the ‘Black Bull’ will be eight points shy of the top spot with three games to go in the first round.

Playing the high pressure game against the security forces ensemble three days earlier seemed to have sucked the energy out of the visitors, as they did not flow as usual and played in low tempo.

Their situation was further exacerbated by the injury of defender-turned striker Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Gamedze, who limped off the field with an ankle injury when the game was 35 minutes old. The latter, who is in good scoring form, broke down and cried at the sidelines after the incident. He was replaced by the ineffective Sidumo Shongwe.  
However, Highlanders deserved better in the game, as they managed to create good scoring chances, with left-footed midfielder Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule closest to breaking the deadlock after his drive in a crowded box ricocheted off the woodwork in the second half.
Citizens had done their homework, as they threw more bodies at the back and won most of the second balls. They also managed to ask questions through Yenick Afful and Mancoba ‘Dembele’ Vilakati, who both stung goalkeeper Khanyakezwe Shabalala’s gloves with hard shots.
Towards the end, Citizens had opted to park the bus, while Highlanders players’ legs were noticeable heavy and impressive import and grafter Vusimuzi Zungu ran out of steam. It was no surprise when the spoils were eventually shared and Citizens were happiest of the two sides, as they remained two places above the drop zone after Manzini Wanderers did them a favour with a 1-0 win over Vovovo.
TEAMS:
Citizens – Sandile, Wandile, Siyabonga, Dan, Sizwe, Lungelo (Bhekinkhosi), Ayanda, Andile, Graig, Yenick (Samkeliso), Mancoba 
Highlanders – Khanyakezwe, Peter, Sibonelo, Vusi, Jimoh, ‘Mlaba’, ‘Chocco’ (Menzi), Zungu, Thabiso, Sihle (Nkola), ‘Sawa’ (Sidumo)

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