‘BULL’ RUN AMOK IN 5-0 ROMP

NHLANGANO – Mbabane Highlanders’ dominant 5-0 victory yesterday was marred by a protest lodged against free-scoring striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa.

Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows filed the protest against the MTN Premier League’s current leading scorer before the start of the game between the two sides at the King Sobhuza II Stadium in Nhlangano. It was signed by captains of both teams in Siphamandla Mlilo (Highlanders) and Black Swallows’ Sibusiso Mkhonta in the presence of match commissioner William ‘Mantongomane’ Shongwe. Black Swallows are claiming that the former Eswatini international striker is a defaulter as they are alleging that he is improperly registered with the black and white giants of Mbabane.

defunct

‘Sikhali’ joined Highlanders at the start of this season from the now defunct South Africa’s First Division League side Mbombela United, after signing a two-year contract. This move came amid a decision by the South African Football Association (SAFA) to suspend the player after it emerged that he was said to be improperly registered with the Nelspruit-based side and subsequently, Mbombela were docked points leading to their relegation to the Patrice Motsepe league. However, Highlanders’ South African boss Chief Ally Kgomongwe took interest in the matter and managed to sort it out with SAFA, hence the player was cleared to register for the Mbabane giants. He has also featured for Sihlangu in two international matches already.

The protest however, did little to deter ‘Sikhali’s confidence as he again master-minded Highlanders’ win yesterday with a brace and could have actually scored a hat-trick had he not missed a penalty in the first half. Black Swallows’ troubles in this game were compounded in the 31st minute when their defender Stanley Umukoro was given marching orders for an off-the-ball incident involving ‘Sikhali’ and this decision ultimately tilted the match in Highlanders’ favour. The red card came after ‘Sikhali’ had already given his team the lead in the 27th minute, coolly finishing off a neat place kick by Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Gamedze. Before the goal, it was balanced game with play concentrated in the middle of the park, hence the first half had very little to excite. It was only in the second half that the real battle was witnessed as four goals were scored. The onslaught started in the 52nd minute when Philani Mkhontfo scored the second goal, finishing off a rebound shot by Kenneth Moloto that was parried away by goalkeeper Christie Bheka. This goal seemed to kill off the fighting spirit from Black Swallows as Highlanders took the initiative and started taking advantage of their superiority in terms numbers.

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