’LANDERS’ SIXTH STRAIGHT DRAW

LOBAMBA – Mbabane Highlanders’ winless run has stretched to six matches following a goalless stalemate against Moneni Pirates here yesterday.

Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati’s men ‘can now kill’ for a win, following a sixth straight draw  before their visibly frustrated loyalists in their first MTN Premier League match of the new decade at Somhlolo National Stadium. The last league win was celebrated back on October 12, 2019 and it was a 2-1 win over Malanti Chiefs, who are at the basement of the charts. For the visitors, who hardly sprayed their usual neat passes, it was also a big missed opportunity to close in on Royal Leopard in the battle for the third spot. When referee Thulani Sibandze blew for the end of proceedings, Highlanders were still sixth with 18 points.  Pirates also remain fourth with 25 points.

Reflection

However, the final result was not a true reflection of the match, with Highlanders goalkeeper Khanyakezwe Shabalala making two point-blank saves to keep the back door locked.
Coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati had unleashed the best from his arsenal, with the likes of Phumlani Ngwenya, Lindani ‘Rio’ Matsenjwa, Siboniso Lukhele and Menzi Sithole in the spotlight in attack. Seasoned grafter Menzi Mamba was the missing link in the middle of the park. Pirates equally had the needed ammunition for the battle with youngster Njabulo Shongwe making good darting runs on the left while marksman Lizwe Zwane was like a hit song sang out of tune, losing possession cheaply.

It was see-saw during the early exchanges, with Lwazi ‘Shumi’ Mamba forcing Shabalala to make a point blank save from a scramble in the 20th minute. In response, Highlanders forward Mpucuko Dlamini had stung goalkeeper Bhekisisa Dlamini’s gloves with a hard shot from just outside the box on the half-hour mark. It was the last throw of the dice in the lukewarm first half.

Audacious

On resumption of play, chances were still few and far between, with the Turkey-bound ‘Rio’ almost pulling a rabbit out of the hat with an audacious attempt, which ricocheted off the cross bar in the 50th minute.

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