By Ntokozo Magongo
Despite losing the derby 2-3 to rivals, Mbabane Swallows, Mbabane Highlanders Coach Milton Dlamini said he could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
He said the performance that they gave against the title challengers was good and it shows that they can a good run next season and be able to challenge for trophies. Highlanders lost for the second time in two months against Swallows, first in the Ingwenyama Cup semi-final and then in the MTN Premier League.
“I want to first congratulate the boys because it’s only been three weeks together but the mental change was good. Today (Sunday) we were a victim on our won in our strategy of going forward. I am very happy with them and I can see the direction that we want to take. I can also see where we need replacements in terms of players. Today we did just our best,” he said.
Dlamini then explained that he needed to put up a striker and that was the reason behind Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze’s substitution in the second half. He said they were playing the ball but they needed a goal poacher up front.
Dlamini then justified why they started with Ntokozo Shabangu in goal instead of Khanyakwezwe Shabalala who had been number one in the team in the past seasons.
“Look, who at goal when we conceded three goals in the first derby. I had to protect the young stars we put on the field today. Ntokozo had a clean sheet last week so we had to play him. Khanyakwezwe had nothing to prove. I understand we had to win the derby but against we had to build the team for the future,” he said.
The black white ensemble is yet to face Manzini Wanderers and defending champions Green Mamba.
