’LANDERS HUMILIATE AXE FACING WESLIANS

LOBAMBA – The last instance when Manzini Wanderers secured a monumental victory over Mbabane Highlanders dates back to 2013.

Fast-forwarding 11 years, Highlanders have exacted a sweet vengeance with a nearly identical scoreline. Previously, the Weslians had vanquished the ‘Black Bull’ 5-1 during their descent to the National First Division. In a stark contrast, the Highlanders retaliated with a 6-1 victory, propelling the Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe into the relegation abyss.  To exacerbate the situation, the beleaguered Weslians’ relegation destiny will be determined in the season’s climactic finale against Denver Sundowns, who are themselves on the precipice of facing the axe. The Milton Dlamini-led charges an emphatic win, however, it did little to alter their position in the log standings holding firm at the sixth spot, while Wanderers suffered a drop, finding themselves just one place from the bottom following Moneni Pirates’ 3-0 win over Illovo.

The match itself unfolded as a tale of missed opportunities for Wanderers, as they created numerous chances, only to falter in converting. Despite their spirited efforts, it was the black and white side that broke the deadlock, with Philani Mkhonto’s stunning volley finding the back of the net, giving Highlanders a 1-0 lead just before halftime. Menzi Sithole then extended the Bull’s lead with a well-timed header from a Mkhonto cross, leaving Wanderers reeling at the stroke of halftime. As the game resumed, Wanderers’ Captain Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule came agonisingly close with a freekick that narrowly missed the target, while Simanga Shongwe’s volley sailed over the bar, leaving Wanderers frustrated. Highlanders capitalised on their dominance, with Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze’s mesmerising display leading to Siwakhile Shongwe’s clinical finish, extending their lead to 3-0 in the 63rd minute.

Despite Wanderers’ valiant attempts to respond, a potential goal by Sandile Maseko was thwarted as it was cleared off the line. The hosts then further solidified their lead, with Sithole securing a brace through a header from Njabulo ‘Koko’ Gama’s cross, and Gama himself adding his name to the scoresheet on the stroke of full-time. In a final display of determination, Wanderers managed to grab a consolation goal through Simanga, but it was Kenneth Moloto who sealed the emphatic victory for the capital city giants, burying the ball in the net during referee Thembinkosi Dlamini’s added time.

Man of the match
Menzi Sithole - M. Highlanders: Sithole’s outstanding performance earned him the title of Man of the Match, showcasing his resurgence for Highlanders and proving his doubters wrong after being deemed surplus to requirements from Royal Leopard.

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