SOCCER – The derby fever has officially gripped the capital city as Mbabane Swallows and Mbabane Highlanders prepare for their much-anticipated MTN Premier League showdown set for Sunday at Mavuso Trade Centre.
Mbabane Swallows public relations officer Knowledge ‘Bhambo’ Ngwenya has already fired the opening shots, warning that the red and white side intend to leave their arch-rivals nursing the pain in post-match meetings after the final whistle.
Speaking on Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services on Monday morning, Ngwenya said the week leading up to a derby was always intense, describing it as a period when football lovers across the country hardly sleep due to the magnitude of the fixture.
Ngwenya said Swallows were ready to force Highlanders to accept whatever result comes their way and urged them to behave accordingly on the day. He stressed that derby matches were different from ordinary league fixtures, insisting that form often counted for very little once the two sides met.
He acknowledged that Swallows had not performed to their usual standards in recent matches but called on supporters to put those results aside, saying the derby atmosphere brought out a different level of motivation and commitment.
According to Ngwenya, spirits were high within the Swallows camp, with confidence boosted by recent history between the two sides. He pointed out that since 2023, Swallows had not lost a single derby encounter against Highlanders.
Ngwenya also confirmed that the club was preparing to strengthen its squad, with the January transfer window reopening this week. He said the team was eager to register new players and disclosed that at least four additions were expected.
While he declined to name the individuals, Ngwenya said they were experienced and active players in the MTN Premier League of Eswatini. Swallows have recently been heavily linked with a possible reunion with Nsingizini Hotspurs left-back Kwakhe Thwala, as well as speedy winger Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane, fuelling speculation that the club is intent on bolstering its squad for the second half of the season.
Off the field, the red and white outfit is also racing against time regarding contract renewals. Two experienced defenders, Sifiso Mabila and Mandla Palma, are currently without contracts after their deals expired on December 31.
Mbabane Highlanders PRO Khayelihle ‘Karas’ Dlamini, who once featured in the famous Mbabane derby during his playing days, also promised fireworks, saying the fixture always rises above form and delivers drama, passion and uncompromising football.
