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‘SOMETHING GOOD HAPPENING’

By JONGILE XUBA | 2024-11-09

SOCCER - THE good times are back!
Mbabane Highlanders assistant coach Sifiso ‘Barnes’ Mkhulisi was careful not to get too carried away by it all.

But the smile of contentment that flickered across the coach’s face as he gave an analysis of the ‘Black Bull’s 2-1 win over Young Buffaloes at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre on Wednesday told the tale of a man assured his team had finally turned the corner.

Highlanders’ recent struggles, which had seen them losing their last three matches, had some feeling that the team was sinking.

Heading into this match, Highlanders have had a tumultuous week of the field.
Director Chiefs Ally Kgomongwe had suspended all team activities due to infighting. Despite these challenges, Mkhulisi, alongside goalkeeper coach Sipho ‘Shilton’ Dube led the capital city giants to victory, instilling newfound hope in their supporters.

Mkhulisi expressed his delight after the match, emphasising the determination his players showed amid adversity.

“I told my players before the match that if there is a game we have to win, it is this one because of all the problems we are facing. We have won the match and I believe we have turned the corner,” he said.

Pointed
Mkhulisi pointed out that Buffaloes might have underestimated them, given Highlanders' recent issues and losses at the hands of the team in previous encounters.

“The players followed the game plan very well. “In the past two games, Buffaloes beat us 4-1 and 5-0, so they probably came to this match thinking it would be an easy game for them. We knew they would underestimate us, and it worked in our favour,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mkhulisi remains cautious but optimistic about the upcoming Mbabane derby against arch-rivals Mbabane Swallows.

While Highlanders’ latest victory provides much-needed momentum, the assistant coach remains realistic, recognising the unpredictability that often defines derby matches.

“It will be a different match against Swallows but we are ready to fight.”
The Mbabane Derby will be played at Mavuso Sports Centre on Sunday.

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