SHOT ‘YELLOW MAN’ RETURNS TO STADIUM

SOCCER – Just a week after being shot in the knee by a rubber bullet during chaotic scenes at Mavuso Sports Centre, Mbabane Highlanders superfan Elijah ‘Yellow Man’ Mavimbela made an emotional return to the same venue to support his beloved team.

Mbabane Highlanders  were held to a goalless draw by Manzini Wanderers in a week 19 MTN Premier League encounter played in front of more than 3 000 supporters.

Among them was the ever-colourful ‘Yellow Man’, visibly limping and with his injured knee bandaged beneath his leggings.

The popular supporter was struck by a rubber bullet when police fired to disperse enraged fans following the abandonment of the Ingwenyama Cup last-16 clash between Highlanders and Nsingizini Hotspurs.

The disorder erupted in stoppage time after Nsingizini had taken a dramatic late lead, prompting a pitch invasion and forcing officials to halt the match.

Despite the painful ordeal, ‘Yellow Man’ said nothing could keep him away from his team.

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“I came out of hospital the same day, and I’m back here today because I cannot imagine missing a Highlanders match,” he said during a brief chat in the grandstands.

His return drew admiration from fellow supporters, many of whom greeted him warmly.

Though still in discomfort, he remained in high spirits throughout the match — chanting and urging on his side as he always does.