adminNoel Munzabwa
SAUL Chaminuka’s Mbabane Highlanders treble chase sounded loud and clear with a convincing 9-0 bullying of City Warriors in the 2019 Eswatini Bank Cup.
In just over 10 days, Highlanders has moved within two points of MTN Premier League of Eswatini log leaders Green Mamba with 10 matches to go, booked a SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup final berth but the weekend’s 9-0 should be a clear sound of intent.
Though not a record result in this knock-out tournament, the result carried an individual scorer’s milestone with South African born striker Thabiso Mokenkoane hitting half a dozen goals to set a scoring record in the 16 editions.
The former Warriors assistant coach said he had not anticipated a high scoring outing.
“We had not anticipated such a high score but we just hit good form on the day and found ourselves with such a scoreline. We just hope to carry the form into the next round or even the league and the Ingwenyama Cup final,” said Chaminuka.
It was all a victorious round for Zimbabweans in Eswatini football with Rodwell Dhlakama’s Matsapha United beating Rail United 3-0 in a match played in the sugar belt north of the country on Saturday.
On Friday night, George Madira’s Piggs Peak Black Swallows beat Red Lions 2-0 at Somhlolo National Stadium.
There was also winning joy for Moneni Pirates duo of Tarisai Changara and Zenzile Dolly Mpofu posting a 3-1 win over Rangers FC.
Former Caps United midfielder Stephen Makatuka completed his second consecutive match for Mbabane Swallows earning his first win in Eswatini with a 4-1 win over Masundwini Royal Swallows on Sunday.
Julius Chakupewa’s Manzini Sundowns had to break a sweat after being dragged to a penalty shoot-out after a goalless regulation time only to win 9-8 deep into the sudden death shoot-out against Milling Hotspurs.
“It was a tough match, our opponents were literally playing for the penalties but I am glad we prevailed over them.
Now we have to correct the negative attributes and strengthen the positive attributes,” said Chakupewa.
This weekend focus returns to the MTN Premier League of Eswatini.
@NoelMunzabwa
derick.khumalo