By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – With Mbabane Highlanders already out of the title race, they still had something to fight for when they clash against arch rivals, Mbabane Swallows in the derby on Sunday.
Bragging rights are at stake for the black and white outfit, while Mbabane Swallows are chasing the title as they are top of the table with three games remaining before the curtain falls in the MTN Premier League.
The biggest match in the country is billed for Somhlolo National Stadium, with fans to pay E50 at the gates. Mbabane Highlanders Coach Milton Dlamini said they would be using the match in preparations of next season as he believes they will be chasing trophies.
Dlamini said they were in the process of restructuring the team and this is one game they will use to gauge if they are in the right direction.
“Mbabane Swallows are still competing for the title while we are already out of the competition. There is still a lot to fight for including the bragging rights and also prepering the team for next season as we would be chasing titles. I am happy for Coach Caleb Ngwenya of the courage he had. They wanted him out early in the season but now he is on the chance of being crowned champions. Those are signs of being a good coach,” he said.
Dlamini added that he had no grudges for departed coaches Siyabonga Bhembe and Dumisani ‘DU’ Makhanya, as all the decisions in the club are made by the management. He said he was also doing he can to keep the players out of the clubs politics.
Highlanders were defeated 3-0 when they played Swallows in the Ingwenyama Cup semi-finals two month ago.
Meanwhile, Mbabane Swallows Coach Caleb Ngwenya said they were well prepared for the match as all their remaining games in the league were now a final.
In the title chasing race, Young Buffaloes will play Royal Leopard while Green Mamba will be up against Nsingizini Hotspurs.
