MANZINI, 19 January 2025: Mbabane Highlanders crashed out of the Ngwenyama Cup as the first high-level casualty after they were thrashed 2-1 by First Division team, Lozitha Spurs at the Mavuso Sports Centre in Manzini this afternoon.
Mbabane Swallows out-classed Ludzeludze Killers 3-1 to enter the last 16 of the Lucrative Cup. Swallows beat an excellent team that was equally worthy of victory in a nail-biting game at the Mavuso Sports Centre this afternoon.
Mbabane Highlanders should have easily won but all the Gods of luck turned their backs. They even missed a penalty that Mphucuko Dlamini blasted into the keeper’s hands.
Swallows on the other hand, were in business form. They struck first against Killers in the 8th minute when Kwakhe Thwala nodded in a corner from Mncedisi Dlamini.
But Killers denied Swallows the respect they expected and replied with an equalizer through Boniswa Ndwandwa. Swallows were clearly the better side and dominated Killers forcing 5 corner kicks in the first half.
The teams went to second half 1-1.
Killers began the second half a little reticent, allowing Swallows to fly all over them. But they recovered somewhat. Though they fought bravely, Swallows were better adapted to the heat and applied consistent pressure taking 9 corner kicks in the second half.
Swallows struck a second time. Mancoba tapped in a beautiful Karas Magagula square ball.
Swallows confirmed their dominance when Sandile Hlatshwako drew Killers goalkeeper out and struck the net behind him allowing Mbabane Swallows to join the last 16 in style.
Mbabane Highlanders let their guard down early, allowing MTN First Division League room which allowed Lozitha Spurs to force them into defence blunders that resulted in the first goal.
Even though Highlanders’ Sandile Ngcampahlala and Wandile Ntshakala returned pressure and almost forced Lozitha to concede an own goal in the 25th minute.
Bhekisisa Sikhondze went on to show himself the man who single-handled stopped Highlanders, even rising out of a collision injury 5 minutes from full time to prevent success from a sustained Highlanders onslaught. He was the fan’s man of the match, and no doubt reserved a place for himself for the goalkeeper of the tournament.
Though playing 10 men after Ntokozo Masuku was red carded, Lozitha continued to hold Highlanders at bay.
Mbabane Highlanders were not the only Premier League teams’ head to roll.
At the Sobhuza Stadium in Nhlangano, Nsingizini Spurs were toppled by minions, MTN First Division side Red Rhinos who thrashed them 2-1 at KaLanga.
At the Manzini Club, Ngwenyama Cup defending champions Green Mamba squeezed 1 – 0 past MTN log leaders Royal Swallows.
Also, at the Manzini Club, an ebullient Young Buffaloes thrashed Nsenga Comrades 2 – 0.
At the Mayaluka Stadium in Big Bend, MTN League log leaders, Royal Leopard thrashed Ubombo Flyers 4 – 0.
But Illovo struggled to squeeze past a stubborn Magwanyana who held them to a 1 all draw. The issue was settled by penalties with Illovo winning 5 – 3.
At KaLanga Stadium, First division Red Rhinos thrashed Nsingizini Hotspurs 2 – 1.
At the King Sobhuza ll Stadium, Shiselweni regional side Nkwene Sundowns mauled First Division side Sidvwashini United 6 – 2 while Rangers crushed All Nations 7 – 0.
At Thabankulu, Ezulwini United beat Celtics 3 – 1.
At the Prince of Wales in Mbabane, Premier League side Madlenya FC struggled to move past Majukujuku who held them 2-2. They had to be separated by penalties that Madlenya won 10 – 9.
Premier League Sea Birds showed their seniority over First Division Mbabane side, Amawele, piping them 1-0.
At Mkhuzweni, Moneni Pirates were simply in a different class from Black Swallows. They crushed the Pigg’s Peak side with a deluge of 6 goals without response. The 6-0 score is one of the highest of the Ngwenyama Cup this far, and serve as a warning that ‘Fasa Buccaneer’ mean business.
Piggs Peak Rangers however struggled to best Malanti Chiefs. They only managed to do so, beating them 3-0 on penalties.
At Mhlume, CK Survivors saw off fellow First Division side Denver 1-0
Jm/today/19.01.2025
