SCRAPPY WIN FOR ’LANDERS

LOBAMBA – Giants Mbabane Highlanders had to grind out a scrappy 1-0 win over minnows Milling Hot Spurs to return to winning ways here yesterday.

Substitute Siboniso Lukhele’s lone strike proved decisive in the lukewarm MTN Premier League clash played before over 3 000 spectators at Somhlolo National Stadium. A win was just what the doctor ordered for the home side in their bid to keep up with the big boys at the top. It was positive response to the 1-all draw against Moneni Pirates in the last outing. They have maintained their unbeaten run with eight points in four matches.

Misery

For Milling, it was more misery, as they suffered their fourth straight defeat. They are also without a goal in over 360 minutes of football. Yesterday’s defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for the rookies, as they did their homework to shut down a supply to Highlanders key men who included marksman Josef Lekata. Clement ‘King Clay’ Mdluli’s men had played with intent for prolonged periods, only to end with a wooden spoon again. The visitors would have easily grabbed an early lead, but Lungelo Nyoni failed to capitalise on goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala’s error. The latter gifted Nyoni a chance in the seventh when he cleared the ball into his path, only for the striker to stutter in pulling the trigger.

Highlanders tried swinging the pendulum in their favour but got frustrated. Left-footed midfielder Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule’s delightful effort from long range was agonisingly wide after the half-hour mark. However, Milling grew in confidence towards the break, with Gcinumuzi Ndzimandze firing over the cross bar following good interplay in the 37th minute. It was the last throw of the dice in the half, as the teams were still level-pegging during the interval. On resumption of play, momentum remained with the 2018/19 National First Division League runners-up.  In a bid to unlock the opposition, Highlanders coach Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini played his cards right, as he sacrificed his seasoned campaigners to introduce effective but little known players. The substitutes included Lukhele, who made an immediate impact after replacing injured Lindani ‘Rio’ Matsenjwa.

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