‘BULL' WIN ON ALLY’S BIRTHDAY

BIG BEND – Mbabane Highlanders handed its director the best birthday gift, a 3-0 victory over Tambuti to reclaim the top spot in the MTN Premier League.

Director Ally Kgomongwe was part of the over 200 supporters who watched Highlanders miss more chances than those they converted. The black and white ensemble is back at the summit of the log with 39 points having played one more game over defending champions Royal Leopard. Leopard is out of action until Wednesday as they will be facing South Africa’s Orlando Pirates this afternoon in the TOTALEnergies CAF Confederation Cup. This was Highlanders’ second victory since the heartbreaking loss to Royal Leopard, where they were beaten 2-0 and lost the E200 000 first round incentive. They beat Manzini Wanderers 4-2 on their last encounter played last Saturday. Highlanders were propelled to victory by their trusted servant in Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa who speared home the second goal and assisted in the first goal scored by Lindokuhle Fakudze with the third scored by substitute Siboniso ‘Mane’ Lukhele.

Struggled to push forward

The game started with Highlanders being favourites, but they struggled to push forward with Tambuti defending in numbers. There was little to write home about until the arrival of the birthday boy, Kgomongwe, as the fans cheered on while he waved as he greeted them. As Kgomongwe was settling in the stands, Lindokuhle Fakudze finished off with a cool shot from a re-bound from the goalkeeper Mndeni Lukhele who was saving ‘Sikhali’s shot. This was after a good move from man of the match Kenneth Moloto. At the stroke of half-time, ‘Sikhali’ netted his 16th goal of the season to extend his lead being the top goalscorer when he finished off with a ground shot after a scramble for the ball inside the box. The match then went for the break with Highlanders in command.

Highlanders South Africa coach Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala made a double change at the start of the second half as he brought in ‘Mane’ and Nkosinathi Fakudze for Philane Mkhontfo and Tony Machacha. Those changes brought more life to the game. Highlanders started attacking now and again. There was drama in the 60th minutes when ‘Sikhali’ failed to score while it was easy than missing. Chance after chance, with Kenneth Moloto delivering succulent crosses in the left flank but the trio of Ndzinisa, Mane and Xolani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze were all guilty for failing to convert. It was Mane who sealed the deal with a ground shot, 11 minutes before full-time.

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