MANY would agree that the traditional Mbabane derby pitting Mbabane Highlanders and Mbabane Swallows is not a game for the faint-hearted.
This is a game that never fails to live up to expectations and past results have shown that form counts for nothing in this match. It remains an undeniable fact that the Mbabane derby is the biggest game in the Eswatini football calendar, just like Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs in neighbouring South Africa, along with the Liverpool versus Manchester United clash in England.
Highlanders and Swallows have a long-standing rivalry dating back decades, hence whenever they meet on the field of play, sparks are bound to fly. It is self-motivating for both clubs to face each other and so expect Mavuso Sports Centre to be packed to the rafters this Sunday.
My passionate appeal to the sets of supporters from both clubs is to exercise tolerance and patience.
By that, I mean they should accept whatever result on the field of play.
To the clubs, they must adhere to what we normally call fair play and there is an award reserved for that at the end of the season, like we saw in previous seasons.
Practising fair play is not in vain for the clubs and this is the kind of spirit we encourage at all times.
History tells us that the first Mbabane derby was actually played in 1952 at the Velose Stadium, which today is known as Eswatini Plaza in Mbabane.
Those who were fortunate to witness this game would recall that thousands of people from near and far came to witness what would mark the first derby.
History had to be rewritten in that the derby, which at the time was between Swallows and the now-defunct Sweet Roses from Msunduza, later switched to Swallows against Highlanders.
A school team from the then Eswatini Trade School, which today is known as Eswatini College of Technology, had just been assembled and named Mbabane Highlanders in 1952.
Their mission was clear: they had to stop the non-ending dominance of “Incolebovu”, as Swallows are fondly known.
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Swallows would crush any opponent until that day when they had to face Highlanders.
Without any iota of doubt, this is the biggest match in the local calendar and the good thing is that these two clubs always rise to the occasion by providing football fans with entertainment.
As I write, I am made to remember Highlanders’ legend Henry “Puma” Kunene and Swallows’ hero Alex “Ayezamanzi” Mamba.
These two great legends would make football followers sit on the edges of their seats with their mesmerising skills and brilliance.
They were later to be followed by other equally great players to keep the derby legacy alive.
Now, this column is calling upon Siyabonga Mkhontfo of Highlanders and Swallows’ Bongi “Karas” Magagula to do exactly what both Xolani “Chocco” Sibandze (Highlanders) and Tony “TT” Tsabedze (Swallows) did during their heydays.
After all, they are also good players in their own right.
This column again invites all football followers in the country to cram the tiny Mavuso Sports Centre and bear witness to what is expected to be a nerve-wrecking 90 minutes of non-stop football action from these two sworn Mbabane rivals.
We can only wish both clubs the best of luck as they prepare for this mouth-watering clash and if I were to give a picture of what would happen before such games, people would assemble in places such as bus ranks, taverns, salons and schools where they would begin talking about the outcome of this much-loved game of football.
You would find Swallows’ fans packed at the famous Swallows corner talking about nothing but the game, wondering who would stop their superstars like Jabulani “Go Man Go” Nxumalo, Victor “Maradona” Gamedze, Antonio “Talo Talos” Masichane and Lloyd “Magic Feet” Maziya.
Likewise, Highlanders supporters would never stop wondering who would stop their midfield machine Tholeni “Days” Nkambule, Mandla “Toy” Manzini, Henry “Puma” Kunene, Charles “Ace” Jele, Nichodemus “Ace” Mashwama, Cameroon “KK” Zini and not forgetting the free-scoring Lucky “Masomalenhle” Dlamini.
In conclusion, this is a must-watch game and people are kindly requested to arrive early at the venue so that they can secure preferable seats.
They should also avoid unnecessary confrontations outside the field of play among themselves because this tends to create tension, as you find some fans hurling insults that ultimately provoke reactions.
Most importantly, fans are urged to avoid the bad habit of insulting match officials, especially when things are not going their way on the field of play. Referees, like players and coaches, are also human beings and deserve respect.
