‘Bull’ stretch winless run

MANZINI – Giants Mbabane Highlanders are losing ground in the MTN Premier League title race following a third straight 1-all draw at minnows Manzini Sea Birds here yesterday.

The visitors, who are fifth on 29 points, were hoping to keep leaders Young Buffaloes in sight when they made the short trip to Mavuso Sports Centre for the feisty clash. The latter are on 35 points.

For Sea Birds, who are still ninth with 22 points; their first win since January 27 was within touching distance after putting their noses in front through Joseph Kibonge, but Highlanders restored parity through Melusi ‘Mega’ Magagula late in the second half.

Resting

The away side had thrown caution to the wind, resting first choice goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala and the likes of Delisa Gama and Vusi Vilakati to avoid accumulating an extra yellow card that would have ruled them out of the Ingwenyama Cup humdinger against sworn rivals Mbabane Swallows. The influential trio of Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, Philani Mkhonto and Kenneth Moloto started from the bench. Sea Birds equally had stars on the bench and they included Sihlangu’s duo of Muzi Tsabedze and Innocent Dlamini.

After a cagey opening period headlined by the missing of glorious opportunities by Highlanders import Kwado Frimpong, the game opened up on resumption of play. Before the start of the second half, Sea Birds had made a triple substitution to inject more pace into their game. Innocent, Tsabedze and Kibonge were introduced, with the latter breaking the deadlock after a swift attack.

He beat goalkeeper Ntokozo Shabangu with a low shot from the edge of the box in the 52nd minute.

Danger

Sensing danger, Highlanders finally brought in ‘Pupu’, Moloto and Mkhonto for Njabulo ‘Koko’ Gama, Enzo Motsa and Siyabonga Mkhonto.

They began to play with intent after the changes. Sea Birds were under extreme pressure after the hour mark. They eventually succumbed to the pressure in the 68th minute. From a goal mouth scramble, Highlanders’ ‘Mega’ restored parity with an easy tap in from a Philani assist.

Chances were few and far between towards the end. When Referee Wandile Mandla Mamba signalled for the end of proceedings, the sides were level-pegging, much to the frustration of hundreds of visiting supporters.

(Pic: Mengameli Mabuza) Mbabane Highlanders’ Kwadoh Frimpong (L) tries to control the ball while Manzini Sea Birds’ Ndumiso ‘Tower’ Ndaba shields the ball away from him during yesterday’s match MTN Premier League game at Mavuso Sports Centre. The game ended in a 1-all draw.