A TALE OF TWO CITIES

Sports Editor
(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

MBABANE – Hyperbole celebrations that threatened to raise the dead at the nearby Mdzimba Mountain enveloped the Somhlolo National Stadium as joyful Mbabane Highlanders fans danced like nobody was watching, following a 1-0 victory over Manzini Sea Birds in a dramatic afternoon at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday.

The wild celebration procession, which continued behind the stadium dressing rooms long after referee, Simanga Nhleko had blown the final whistle, were triggered by a stupendous goal by South Africa-born gangly striker Ayanda Lumkhwane. 

The left-footed striker unleashed a rocket, which had class written all over it, to send the ‘Black Bull’ to third on the log standings and the third victory which banished the 5-0 shattering defeat to Royal Leopard two weeks ago. It is a lofty position for a team which many soccer commentators ran short of describing as relegation cannon fodder. The palpable celebrations by those who swear by the horns of the ‘Black Bull’ would have melted the coldest of hearts. It was a sight to behold.

In sharp contrast, a funeral mood had earlier swathed the Manzini Wanderers grandstand after a never-say-die Red Lions pulled a rabbit out of a hat, snatching a memorable winner deep in referee, Thulani Sibandze’s three minutes optional time through second half substitute Mthokozisi Hlatshwako which sent the hordes of ‘Weslians’ fans into perpetual agony.

The shocking loss, coming at the backdrop of a memorable 1-0 victory over their sworn enemies, Mbabane Swallows, a fortnight ago was a quick reminder that indeed one swallow doesn’t make a summer – pun intended. Consistency remains the maroon and white’s Achilles heel. Without winger Sihle Ndaba and striker Sidumo Shongwe, they were impotent and even needed a penalty converted by Sandile Motsa to level matters before conceding a late goal, which the bloody-thirsty Red Lions richly deserved to shoot to the second spot on the log standings.
With ‘wingless’ Mbabane Swallows still looking for their first win of the season, star-studded Royal Leopard being held by struggling Malanti Chiefs, the 2014/15 MTN league promises to be another 10 months of sustained drama, shocking results, near-misses and palpable enjoyment.


 

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: