SIMUNYE – Mbabane Highlanders’ miserable league run stretched to five matches after they slipped to a 1–0 defeat against Rangers at a chaotic Simunye Stadium yesterday.
What had been a tense but orderly contest descended into late drama in the stands. Moments after the final whistle, two Highlanders supporters erupted into a heated argument over the team’s latest setback.
Their dispute escalated into a scuffle, with one fan reportedly kicked in the head, leaving him bleeding. Police officers rushed in to restore calm as shocked spectators looked on.
On inspection, the injured supporter was found bleeding from the scalp, while the other was escorted to a police van for questioning. After tempers cooled, both men insisted the other had started the fight.
With neither willing to press charges, police released them without arrest — but only after officials and fellow fans pleaded for order.
On the pitch, Rangers snatched a historic victory — their first league win over Highlanders in seven meetings since 2021 — thanks to an 87th-minute strike from Nduduzo Mvakali. The forward pounced on a defensive lapse, rolling the ball into an empty net after goalkeeper Innocent Adja had dashed off his line and been caught out. Coach Ernest Mavuso, team president Shauwn Mkhize and the Highlanders faithful watched in disbelief as their side’s slump deepened.
Highlanders, who last won on October 26 against Amawele, remain 10th, while Rangers climb to third on 15 points.
Highlanders nearly drew first blood 15 minutes in, but a Majahasibili Ndlovu header from a pinpoint Sakhile Shongwe cross was brilliantly saved by Rangers goalkeeper Bafana Ngwenya.
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Rangers Coach Mthunzi Ginindza masterminded the upset of his former team Mbabane Highlanders.