SOCCER – Mbabane Highlanders head coach Ernest Mavuso believes Sunday’s Ingwenyama Cup last-16 clash against Nsingizini Hotspurs presents the perfect opportunity for redemption following last weekend’s league disappointment.
The two sides meet again at Mavuso Sports Centre, barely a week after Nsingizini’s dramatic 4-2 comeback victory in the MTN Premier League at King Sobhuza II Stadium.
Mavuso did not hide his frustration over that result, insisting his side deserved more from the encounter.
“There are some games when you get defeated and you do not have anything to complain about,” he said.
“But in last weekend’s game, we feel that a lot of things did not go right. So this game has come at the right time. Justice must be done.”
Highlanders led twice in that pulsating contest before surrendering the advantage, as the defending champions underlined their title credentials.
The defeat extended an uneasy trend in recent meetings between the two sides. Of the last six encounters in all competitions, Nsingizini have won four, Highlanders once, with one draw.
For Mavuso, however, statistics count for little heading into a knockout fixture.
“Highlanders would love to win this game. The coaches and players have put in everything because we owe our supporters this victory,” he said.
“It can be a motivating factor. We were disappointed with the weekend’s game and we want to respond in the right way.”
The coach admitted injuries remain a concern.
Defenders Vusumuzi ‘Ramos’ and Bongumusa Fakudze are yet to recover and will miss the tie, while Ndumiso ‘Ndura’ Mabuza has only resumed light training after struggling with back discomfort.
Despite those setbacks, Mavuso is confident his squad has the character to rise to the occasion.
Nsingizini Hotspurs PRO Nkosinathi Nkosi said they are aware of the mistakes made in last weekend’s match against Highlanders.
“We are working hard to avoid repeating those errors, particularly conceding goals that the opponents should not have scored,” he said.
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He added that the team would be going all out for victory.
“The spirit in the camp is high and the players are eagerly looking forward to the match.”
Nkosi also encouraged fans to turn out in large numbers.
“It will be a 90-minute battle on the pitch but beyond that, we are never enemies in football.”
He further appealed to supporters to drive safely to and from the stadium.
Head-to-Head Results
14/02/2026
Nsingizini Hotspurs 4-2 Mbabane Highlanders
04/10/2025
Mbabane Highlanders 0-1 Nsingizini Hotspurs
11/05/2025
Mbabane Highlanders 2-1 Nsingizini Hotspurs
14/12/2024
Nsingizini Hotspurs 2-1 Mbabane Highlanders
30/03/2024
Mbabane Highlanders 1-2 Nsingizini Hotspurs
28/11/2023
Nsingizini Hotspurs 1-1 Mbabane Highlanders
Ingwenyama Cup Round of 16 Fixtures
Saturday – Simunye Stadium
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Malanti Chiefs vs Madlenya – 1:30pm
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Manzini Sea Birds vs Ubombo Sugar – 3:45pm
Mayaluka Stadium
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Mbabane Swallows vs Amawele – 1:30pm
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Royal Leopard vs Green Mamba – 3:45pm
Prince of Wales Ground
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Rangers vs Msumpe Manchester – 1:30pm
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Young Buffaloes vs Sisonkhe – 3:45pm
Sunday – Mavuso Sports Centre
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Ezulwini United vs Moneni Pirates – 2pm
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Mbabane Highlanders vs Nsingizini Hotspurs – 4pm
