WANDERERS GET CRUCIAL POINT

Mbabane Highlanders …………….. (0) 0
Manzini Wanderers ………….. (0) 0

SOCCER – Manzini Wanderers got a precious point in a goalless draw against rivals Mbabane Highlanders yesterday.

Wanderers’ winless run has now stretched to 14 matches — equating to 1 260 minutes of football without victory.

Eleven defeats, including one in the Ingwenyama Cup, and three draws sum up a disastrous campaign for the once mighty maroon and white giants.

Yet yesterday’s point felt precious in many ways.

Their throngs of supporters — joined by some from Mbabane Swallows, who had earlier played Royal Leopard — celebrated as though survival from relegation had already been secured, singing all the way to the car park.

Since their 1-0 away victory over Ubombo Sugar at Mayaluka Stadium on November 13, 2025 — their first and only win of the MTN Premier League season — Wanderers have lost 11 matches and drawn three.

That run also includes a cup elimination at the hands of National First Division side Madlenya.

That lone triumph came 108 days ago.

Yesterday, they shared the spoils with Highlanders at Mavuso Sports Centre in front of more than 3 000 supporters.

After leaving Wanderers under controversial circumstances late last year, South African winger Sikhumbuzo Mazibuko made his first start for Highlanders following several cameo appearances from the bench.

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Highlanders coach Ernest Mavuso benched dependable striker Msimisi Zwane and livewire winger Sphiwe Cele among the changes from the side that had started the abandoned Ingwenyama Cup tie against Nsingizini Hotspurs the previous week.

The first real attempt on goal came three minutes after the quarter-hour mark when Highlanders’ South African import Nkosivumile Zulu raced onto a through ball from Wandile Sacolo. However, Wanderers goalkeeper Mario Jamine gathered comfortably.

In the 21st minute, Wanderers right-back Muhle Siyaya surged forward and rattled the crossbar with a speculative effort.

In the 34th minute, thunder and lightning struck across Manzini skies, forcing referee Thembinkosi Dlamini to halt play.

After an 11-minute stoppage, Wanderers nearly broke the deadlock through Nigeria-born midfielder Olaide Ballo, who forced an acrobatic tip over from Highlanders goalkeeper Sisekelo Maseko.

Moments later, Zulu found space behind Wanderers captain Sibusiso Manana and squared for Siyabonga Mkhontfo, who created room for Ayanda Mabuza — but the midfielder ballooned his effort over.

At half-time, torrential rain left the Mavuso pitch soaked, though the downpour lasted less than 10 minutes.

Two minutes before the hour mark, Siyabonga unleashed a low shot that missed Jamine’s left post by a whisker.

A minute later, Siyaya’s free-kick was punched clear by Jamine under pressure.

On the hour mark, Mavuso introduced Zwane and Cele in an attempt to spark life into the contest.

Wanderers’ best chance came in the 68th minute when a swift counter-attack found Nigerian import Adura Olaniyi unmarked at the back post. However, he failed to pick out a teammate, with Maseko gathering the low cross.

In a match largely devoid of clear-cut chances, it ultimately ended goalless at Mavuso.