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MBABANE – With the country’s biggest fixture about a week away, Mbabane Highlanders are already looking forward to the titanic clash.
Highlanders will visit Mbabane Swallows next weekend for the country’s ‘mother of all derbies’ in the MTN Premier League. The capital city giants are expected to renew their rivalry on Sunday, April 23 at a venue still to be confirmed, with initial reports suggesting that it will be played at Mavuso Sports Centre. It is Swallows who are keen to nurse their bruised ego after a 2-1 defeat during the first round. However, the opposition’s side Head Coach, Solly Luvheng said every game they would play ahead of the derby would help in gauging their preparedness for the clash.
“You always want to build up to the derby with good performance so that the players gain confidence. It’s a big game for us but for now we’re taking one game at a time,” said the South Africa-born tactician.
With eight days to go to derby, the old foes will meet in the clash with a lot at stake; from derby bragging rights to finishing among the top three. Swallows are also still contending for the league crown. Highlanders will play Manzini Sea Birds, while Swallows will take on Tambankulu Callies this coming weekend.
“We’re chasing the pack and the derby is now personal. Our neighbours are right on top of us; we’ve to get there and try to dethrone them. It’s in our hands.. If we do that, we’d have done ourselves a favour and it will be an ideal reward for our fans for their loyal support,” added Luvhengo.
The capital city giants are separated by four points. The ‘Black Bull’ are on the fourth spot with 40 points while the ‘Beautiful Birds’ occupy the third seat with 44. With five games to go, the former is nine points adrift of log leaders Green Mamba, while the latter is five points shy of the top spot.
Furthermore, the former SA’S Amajita coach was worried by his men who score late in games. He said scoring late created unnecessary pressure, which they will work on, heading towards the derby. In their recent match against Denver Sundowns where they also won 0-2; Highlanders scored in the 58th minute and during the referee’s added time. However, in their game against Callies, a fixture that preceded their last game, they scored in the 80th minute to defeat Callies with a solitary goal.