SOMHLOLO COMES ALIVE AGAIN

MBABANE – Somhlolo National Stadium was beaming with life on Sunday when Mbabane Highlanders hosted South Africa’s Royal AM in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary first leg match.

The venue, which is still under renovations, last hosted a football match about two years ago. The teams were the first to have a feel of the newly-installed turf before an over 6 000 roaring crowd that enjoyed every moment, despite the goalless draw. Fans were extremely excited to see Royal AM flamboyant Director Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize, who took her time to greet the fans around the stadium while Mbabane Highlanders South Africa’s Director Ally Kgomongwe gave a smile to the fans when he unveiled the duo of striker Musa Dlamini and Bonginkhosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini. Below is a rewind of what was a memorable day.

Royal AM coach favourite

Royal AM Coach Dan ‘Dance’ Malesela was a favourite among fans at Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday. This was when the South African team played against Mbabane Highlanders. Upon Royal AM’s arrival at Somhlolo National Stadium, fans could not resist taking pictures close to the bus and cheered the lavish vehicles used by the team. The lavish cars included top of the range BMW and Dodge, among others. Mbabane Highlanders were transported in their sprinter.

Rude welcome for Lekata

It was not a warm welcome for South Africa striker Josef Lekata upon his return to the club on Sunday. Lekata, who started in the game against Royal AM, was booed by the supporters in the second-half of the match after missing a number of chances in the first stanza. Lekata made his return to the black and white outfit having played in the 2019/ 20 season. He is stepping into the big shoes of marksman Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa who left the club last month.

Fans unite

Football was the winner on Sunday when Mbabane Highlanders hosted South Africa’s Royal AM in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round. The 7 500-seater Somhlolo National Stadium was almost full but not with Highlanders supporters only, but fans from other teams. Fans from teams including Manzini Wanderers, Mbabane Swallows and Moneni Pirates, among others, made sure that they came to support the black and white outfit that played a goalless draw against the visitors.

Colourful fans stole the show

Football fans did not disappoint as they came fully dressed for the Mbabane Highlanders and Royal AM clash at Somhlolo National Stadium. The colourful fans were those of the black and white outfit. Some were dressed in school uniform while others had their specially designed costumes. Most of the supporters said they would be going to Durban for the second leg where they wanted to prove a point that Highlanders were among the biggest clubs in the region. ‘MaMkhize’ continued with her custom of not sitting among the guests, as she occupied the normal stands.

Unused MaMkhize speaker

Mbabane Highlanders denied the audience of seeing South Africa’s Royal AM owner Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize dancing during the game. ‘MaMkhize’ is known for dancing when her team scores a goal. That never happened at Somhlolo National Stadium and her UBL speaker was unused at the event. She will be hoping to dance in the second leg game that will be played on Friday at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

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