Africa-Press – Eswatini. It’s not just any Sunday this time around but a ‘Super Sunday’ – the kingdom’s biggest fixture is on at 3pm and hordes of spectators in the red and white of Mbabane Swallows, and in the black and white of Mbabane Highlanders, as well as the neutral ones, are expected to cascade down to Mavuso Sports Centre, Manzini.
This is where all the derby action will get underway as of 3pm. It is the only elite match for the fans on the day.
With this fixture on, The Chat Hub had to be just as relevant. Our feature today is someone who has played this derby as many times and interestingly in both teams’ colours.
He needs no introduction – we have a chat with Xolani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze. The former midfielder is now Highlanders’ Chief Scout under Businessman and team legend Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane, who also crossed the Rubicon from Swallows to Highlanders in his playing days.
Let’s head straight to it and hear what Sikhondze must share with us. He is also a former Manzini Wanderers player while he also had a season in Mozambique’s topflight before he was signed by Highlanders then South African Managing Director (MD) Chief Ally Kgomongwe, who later signed Pupu. Here it is…
ES: Briefly tell us who Xolani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze is and where he was born and bred?
Papi: I grew up in the Lubombo Region in Big Bend, and I’m the fourth born in the family.
ES: Let’s quickly go through the nickname Papi. Where does it come from?
Papi: Got it from my coach, Gcina Dlamini, currently coaching Illovo F.C. He told me I reminded him of former Mamelodi Sundowns player (Papi Zothwane).
ES: You also have your younger brother Banele nicknamed Pupu, which just has this similarity with Papi. How did he get his name?
Papi: (Laughs out loud) He got the name from my older brother,’Neymar’, Musa Sikhondze, former Royal Leopard player.
ES: You and Pupu, now in Tanzania after leaving Highlanders at the end of last season, have both played for Swallows and Highlanders.
What can you say about that experience as it hardly happened in the yesteryears between these two sides that have never played a friendly match?
Papi: It’s a big game for big players mnetfu (my brother) and I can say the biggest game we have in the country. It’s where you show your true character, and the atmosphere is different. As players, you need to handle pressure and put it aside to play their normal game for a flawless derby.
ES: You are back at Highlanders as the team’s Chief Scout, a big role for you in which you will be expected to bring in some competitive players to challenge for honours than being the average side you are this season. Are you up to the task?
Papi: I would love to thank Mbabane Highlanders’ family for showing how much they value their former players. Quality recognises quality. Remember, I know what is expected from my side, so I’m ready.
ES: I’m told that you have another younger brother deemed to be a better version of Pupu, who is also renowned as FIFA for his football magic. Who is he? Is he that good, and what are the chances he joins you at Inkunz’emnyama next season?
Papi: Lol, you guys know everything about the family. He was a former player for Manzini Sea Birds and the national under-20 squad.
Lactalis Markerting Manager Lucky Phiri with HRFA officials during the Cabana Under 13 tournament briefing.
His name is Sandile Sikhondze. That one, my brother, uyayati ibhola (is a football gem). They are simply telling the truth when they say all of us in the family are gifted but won’t recruit him. He needs to impress the coaches first before he joins the team. Otherwise, imnandi lentwana (the boy is talented).
ES: You played for Highlanders under current director Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane back then and had some good and bad days in the Mbabane Derby ties. Can you recall your worst and best derby matches in Highlanders colours?
Papi: The worst for me was when we lost in the then SwaziBank quarter-final at Somhlolo National Stadium. Swallows beat us 2-1. The best was when we beat them 2-1 in the league second round soon after they had knocked us of the knockout tournament.
ES: It’s going down again this Sunday in the league second round. Where do you put your team in this derby? Does form mean anything in this fixture, which currently favours Swallows?
Papi: Every day we prepare for maximum points. So, our supporters must come to the stadium to support the boys, and they won’t be disappointed.
ES: What can you say to the fans, particularly the Highlanders family, about this afternoon’s derby fixture? Is there any hope to return home with a smile after being held by residents minnows Illovo? Your rivals managed a 2-1 win over a relegation-threatened Rangers.
Papi: We don’t want to lose. We’re going for the maximum points. I believe in the team, brother. We are going for the kill, and we are ready.
ES: On another note, we saw Pupu getting a call up back to senior national team Sihlangu Semnikati last month and had two great performances against Cameroon and Mauritius. What was your thought about his call-up and performances? Would you take him to the COSAFA Cup in June?
Papi: Firstly, we thank God for giving him a second chance to play for the national team again and performance wise, he will never disappoint that one we all know, brother.
ES: Otherwise, looking at your squad and the first round ‘Big Derby’ fixture, which was tightly contested but narrowly lost in the end, is there hope to avenge that result this time?
Papi: Every day we prepare for maximum points. So, our supporters must come to the stadium to support the boys, and they won’t be disappointed.
ES: How has it been working under Simelane or with him so far?
Papi: Lol, you know the story, leave it there. It just speaks for itself. No need to even ask.
ES: Before we wrap this up, you are also involved with a smaller team in Manzini. Tell us about that and if there is any potential talent from there for Sgebhu as your Highlanders is also fondly known.
Papi: Yeah, that’s true, and they are leading now with a two-point advantage with only five games left. About the talent, it’s obvious it is there and they remind me of Ubombo Flyers in 2008/09 bru if you heard about them, they were gifted.
ES: You are also working with a decorated coach in Meck Mwase. Have you learned anything from him, and have you taken up any coaching courses yet?
Papi: He’s one of the best coaches, so I learn a lot from him, and thank God to have the opportunity to work with him.
And yeah, I’m learning and still waiting for the next course.
ES: Well, that will be it for now. Let’s wish you the best of luck in the derby match. Surely, next season, you will bring the quality worthy of the Highlanders’ kit to beef up this team.
Papi: Thank you for the recognition. See you on Sunday.
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