MKHUZWENI: Mbabane Highlanders stormed out this week to overrun Young Buffaloes with a totally unexpected 2-1 on Wednesday at Mkhuzweni in a result that succeeded to spook everyone.
The Bull returned to top form at the nick of time ahead of their match of the season this weekend against log leaders Mbabane Swallows.
Traditional rivals Highlanders and Swallows each boast the largest following in the MTN Premier League with a loyal fan base that makes a clash of the two something to look forward to. For this reason, this derby is normally reserved for much later in the season to build anticipation and a great crowd. Bringing it up as early as the seventh game of the series has much to do with the lowered esteem Highlanders now enjoy due to their recent fortunes and lowly performance on the log.
By humbling the army team, one of the strongest on the League, the Bull is perhaps indicating that they are back in winning form.
This is great news of a side that has been emersed in rumours and speculation that suggested that internal faction fighting had reduced the side to a point where players were not even practicing.
Their very modest appearance at Mkhuzweni failed to allay the rumours or build confidence.
But looks are sometimes too misleading. The Bull that was expected to be too weak, rose to the occasion in surprising agility. Thembayinkhosi Dlamini sailed through the air to nod in the first goal within 10 minutes of the match.
Even though Philani Mkhonto levelled shortly after, the Bull would not be restrained, snatching the lead again with a 71st minute goal by Ndumiso Dlamini.
The victory was a great motivation for Highlanders ahead of their crucial contest for bragging rights of the capital city.
Jm/today/7.11.2024
