Amawele 0 (0)
Highlanders 2 (1)
Mkhonto 17’, Cele 88’ (pen)
SOCCER – Mbabane Highlanders reminded everyone of their pedigree as they swept aside Amawele 2–0 in an MTN Premier League encounter played at Prince of Wales Sports Ground yesterday, bouncing back in emphatic fashion after a frustrating 2–2 draw against Green Mamba mid-week.
Coming into the match, there was notable tension surrounding the black-and-white camp following an incident at Mavuso Sports Centre where a section of supporters attempted to block coach Ernest Mavuso, venting their frustration after recent poor results.
However, it was a totally different mood in the capital under a blazing sun, as Highlanders supporters were treated to a dominant performance that gave them every reason to smile.
The venue was brought to a standstill after the final whistle as fans sang continuously for over an hour, while also presenting club president Shauwn Mkhize with full traditional attire — a symbolic and colourful gesture that served as a formal welcome into the Bulls’ kraal. It was a day of celebration, unity and renewed belief.
The match lived up to expectations from the first whistle, played at a high tempo with plenty at stake. Amawele came into the contest as slight favourites, having lost only once at the venue, which had increasingly become their happy hunting ground. But yesterday belonged to Inkunzi Emnyama.
Highlanders pressed high from the onset, forcing Amawele out of their comfort zone and into a defensive shell. The black-and-white ensemble dictated proceedings, firing on all cylinders.
Just 17 minutes in, the ever-present and gifted young star Siyabonga Mkhonto broke the deadlock with a sublime free-kick from just outside the box, leaving Amawele goalkeeper Andile ‘Khune’ Zwane helpless as he sprawled on the turf.
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The capital city giants continued to move the ball with ease, while Amawele struggled to find rhythm or momentum. Nkosivumile Zulu thought he had marked his debut with a goal in the 44th minute, but his effort was correctly ruled offside.
That proved to be the final meaningful action of the opening stanza, with Highlanders heading into the break holding a deserved 1–0 lead.
Amawele showed more intent after the restart, enjoying better spells of possession in dangerous areas and forcing Highlanders goalkeeper Sisekelo Maseko into a few crucial saves. The custodian stood firm to preserve his side’s advantage.
Highlanders, however, remained relentless, with Mkhonto and Hopewell Cele combining brilliantly and causing constant problems with their incisive forward play. In the 80th minute, Maseko briefly fumbled the ball, allowing Njabulo Magongo a sight of goal, but the keeper redeemed himself with a match-saving stop.
Eight minutes later, the contest was effectively sealed when Msimisi Zwane was brought down in the box. Referee Thembinkosi ‘Dovos’ Dlamini pointed to the spot without hesitation.
Fan favourite Sphiwe Cele stepped up and coolly executed a Panenka to double the lead — a finish that showed confidence and composure. Cele knew exactly what he was doing.
That goal sealed the victory, completing a double over Tamshana and sparking wild celebrations among the travelling faithful as Highlanders roared back to winning ways in style.
