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FESTIVE BRAGGING RIGHTS FOR ‘BULL’

19/12/2022 08:36:00 Mengameli Mabuza

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MBABANE – It was a thriller.

A great display of football was spoiled by ill-discipline at the death, as Mbabane Highlanders snatched a 2-1 win against archrivals Mbabane Swallows in an MTN Premier League match that was played at Mavuso Sports Centre on Saturday afternoon. Crowd trouble was again the order of the day in this high-tempered derby, with referee Thembinkosi ‘Dovos’ Dlamini staring death in the face after Swallows supporters bayed for his blood after being accused of influencing the outcome of the game. The field was left littered with plastic bottles, chairs and anything and everything which was thrown from the grand stands. The Times Sports desk is rating the performance of the players below out of 10 after the game that proved to be quite a spectacle.

MB. SWALLOWS:

Sandanezwe Mathabela (8): The lanky goalkeeper was the best player for Swallows on the day. He got off to a shaky start. As he gave away possession, but made many saves throughout the match to keep his team in the game.

Thabo Vilakati (5): He was the better player in Swallows’ defence and helped his team when in possession going forward. Hardly lost possession and kept Moloto in his pocket most of the time, except for when he was also caught off position in the first goal.
Siphosethu Mabilisa (6): Like Thabo, Siphosethu kept the Swallows shape and always assisted in attack. When the ‘Birds’ were desperately searching for an equaliser, he put his hand up and was central to these endeavours.
Kwayki Kingsley (3): The Congolese was always caught ball watching. Kingsley failed to keep track of Delisa who scored Highlanders’ second goal.
Kingu Pemba (3): Far from his resolute self, looking all over the place. Pemba offered no stability in defence and his positioning was suspect whenever Highlanders came forward in attack.
‘Papi’ Sikhondze (4): Deployed as a holding midfielder and he flopped. ‘Papi’ mistimed his tackles and gave away possession for Highlanders goal. He was then hopelessly off the pace in the recovery.
Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze (5): Undoubtedly one of his bad games this season. ‘Pupu’ tried to cause Highlanders all sorts of problems down the centre in the first-half but wasn’t himself on the day. He became much better after he was paired with Manyisa and Mohammad in the centre.
Nhlanhla Ngwenya (3): He didn’t use his skills well. He seemed not to understand the occasion and it was not a surprise to see him substituted on the hour mark. He had a poor game and this was unfortunate as he could have given Swallows plenty of opportunities going forward.
Felix Badernhorst (7): A bright spot in Swallows ’ attack and it wasn’t a surprise that it was him who scored Swallows’ solitary goal in the 79th minute through a well taken set piece after Mutanda was brought down on the edge of the box.
Ayanda Gadlela (2): He had an off-day.He offered nothing offensively for Swallows and was nowhere to be seen.
Mutanda Bashiri (5): He tried his best in the few chances that he got. He started the second-half with a good shot in the first minute and continued to make himself available for goals. He tried to bring Swallows into the game but unfortunately for him, he had little to show for his effort.

MB. HIGHLANDERS:

Khanyakwezwe Shabalala (6): He had very little to do in the first-half. However, he came to the fore when needed to in the second-half. He made one save throughout the game and also dealt well with aerial balls and attempted through passes.
Melusi Magagula (7): Outstanding performance. He was a great engine down the right flank and tracked back really well to defend. He contained any Swallows threat on the wing.
Vusumuzi Vilakazi (5.5):Vusi was tormented by Mutanda and he had to be rescued by his teammates at times. However, he did show his leadership skills at times and got better as the match went on.
Manqoba Malindzisa (7.5): Put in a strong performance and was the best player on the Highlanders defence. He was rock-solid at the heart of the defence - neutralising any Swallows threat. He also covered really well for the fullbacks in both the first and second half.
Delisa Gama (7): Solid display in central defence. Read the game really well and won a lot of headers when Swallows were going long. He was hardly disturbed by any offensive move.
Tshwarelo Bereng (8): Operated in a deeper role in midfield. He stamped his authority in the middle of the park and he forced Swallows to attack through the wings. Most of his tackles were well-timed and was deservingly awarded the man of the match.
Mpendulo Tfomo (7): Played well alongside Bereng in midfield. He pressed well and he made line-breaking passes as he flourished in his role as an advanced midfielder.
Philani Mkhontfo (7): He was the heart of everything good stemming from Highlanders, especially in the first-half. His passing was exceptional and pushed his side forward with a few accurate passes. He was involved in the build-up to Highlanders first goal.
Tony Machacha (7): Enjoyed the game. He linked up well with his attacking cohorts and he took up some great positions in Swallows box and often times gave Swallows defenders a tough time.
Kenneth Moloto (8.5): Moloto’s unpredictable movement and late runs into Swallows’ box made him a major threat to the hosts. His persistence was rewarded with a beautiful well taken goal.
Musa Dlamini (7): He didn’t score, but he was influential. Musa flew past his markers with the ease of a knife cutting through butter and displaying infectious energy. His influence on the side is likely to grow.

Substitutes:

Swallows:
Tony Tsabedze (6.5): He came on in the beginning of the second-half to replace Ayanda Gadlela. Had moments that reminded supporters of what he would do in his prime and came with energy that made Swallows’ look dangerous offensively.
Mohhamed Kabia (6.5): His introduction changed the domination of Highlanders midfielders led by Bereng. He was able to make Swallows play. He gave freedom to ‘Pupu’ and Manyisa to push with aggression.
Leon ‘Chuster’ Manyisa (6): He ran things from the centre of the park, controlling the pace for Swallows and laying some good balls from over the top to get the ‘Birds’ looking more lively and controlling possession.
Highlanders:
Bonginkosi ‘ Manyovu’ Dlamini (6): He proved to a big threat when coming on and had a good combination with Siphosethu on the wing. He was able to break the Swallows line and almost gave an assist to Musa Dlamini.
Sisekelo ‘Rio’ Matsenjwa (5): Couldn’t make an impact. Had a tough time shadowed by Swallows controlling the middle of the park, with fatigue getting the better of Bereng and Mpendulo.