Mbabane Highlanders AM secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Mbabane Swallows at Mavuso Sports Centre, booking their place in the semi-finals of the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Charity Cup. The match, attended by over 3,000 fans, saw Zwelihle Phewa score a penalty in the 43rd minute and Bhekani Mthembu net a stoppage-time goal. Highlanders President Shauwn 'Mamkhize' Mkhize celebrated with the team, dancing and chanting with the fans.
The win marked a significant victory for Head Coach Thembela Dlamini, who took charge after Floyd Mogale's resignation. For Swallows, interim Coach Mduduzi 'Sikhalo' Nxumalo was unable to secure a win against their oldest rivals. The result sees Swallows miss the semi-finals for the first time since the Charity Cup's inception in 2002, ending their 24-year run of reaching the final.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with both teams showing an appetite for attacking football. Swallows' Thobani Kunene posed a threat, but his effort was fired wide from close range. Highlanders responded through Nkosivumile Zulu, who narrowly missed the target. Swallows' Mvuselelo Mthethwa also failed to connect with Kunene's cross.
Goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela was called into action, producing a save to deny Sikhumbuzo Mazibuko's free-kick. At the other end, Lethukukhanya Dlamini unleashed a volley, but Highlanders goalkeeper Qiniso Nyawo made an excellent stop. The breakthrough arrived when Highlanders were awarded a penalty, which Phewa converted to give them a lead heading into the interval.
Swallows returned with renewed purpose after the restart, but Sandziso Masuku and Thandolwethu Sihlongonyane wasted promising opportunities. Highlanders threatened on the counter, looking increasingly dangerous as Swallows pushed forward in search of an equaliser. The 'Birds' nearly equalised in the 90th minute, but Nyawo intervened to keep the clean sheet.
The decisive blow arrived three minutes into added time, when Hopewell Cele delivered a cross and Mthembu finished, sending the Highlanders supporters into delirium. The final whistle unleashed scenes of celebration as Mamkhize joined the players on the pitch, dancing to the chants of the Highlanders faithful.
The result sends Highlanders into the semi-finals alongside Ubombo Sugar, Nsingizini Hotspurs, and Moneni Pirates. The semi-final draw is expected to take place soon, with the final scheduled for November 8. The champions will receive E400,000, while the runners-up will receive E200,000. Each semi-finalist is guaranteed E100,000.
Key points
- Mbabane Highlanders AM defeated Mbabane Swallows 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals of the PLE Charity Cup.
- The win marked a significant victory for Head Coach Thembela Dlamini and a historic setback for Swallows, who had never failed to reach the final since the Charity Cup's inception in 2002.
- The semi-final draw is expected to take place soon, with the final scheduled for November 8 at a venue yet to be announced.
