Africa-Press – Eswatini. A big setback!
Capital City giants Mbabane Highlanders will be minus first choice goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala when they begin their journey in the returning Ingwenyama Cup next week.
They face the National First Division side Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows without the Sihlangu goalkeeper who was red-carded for handling the ball in the 0-5 loss to Young Buffaloes in the league last Saturday. He is ruled out of the next official fixture as per the MTN Premier League Rules and Regulations. “A player dismissed by the referee (including dismissal as a result of two yellow cards given in the same match) will, for the first occasion in a season, be suspended from participation in the next one match to be played by his team in any competition under the auspices of the league,” Article 36 of the rules.
The ‘Black Bull’ will face MTN First Division side in the opening game as per the draw. Black Swallows earlier made headlines for having signed veteran player Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko to boost the club with his skills and experience. The Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) sponsored competition returns after a hiatus of about three years as a result notorious COVID-19 pandemic. SMVAF forked out over E3.5 million to sponsor the football tournament, whose Patron is His Majesty King Mswati III. The event kick-off date is set for next week Saturday.
Injury
It was earlier revealed in our sister publication the Times Sunday that Shabalala was sent off with a straight red card in the 57th minute. The seasoned goalkeeper was playing his first match after being sidelined by an ankle injury. The incident occurred when Sphesihle Nsimbini played a well-timed pass to Njabulo Maziya, who found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, the goalkeeper misjudged the play and rushed out of the penalty area, resulting in a handball and a red card. This was during the match when Inkunz’Emnyama suffered their worst defeat of the season at KaLanga Technical Centre on Saturday. Highlanders had hosted army side Young Buffaloes who made light work of the giants after cruising to a 5-1 win.
Highlanders Public Relations Officer (PRO) Kenneth Dlamini said Shabalala’s absence in the opening match would definitely have an impact. “He is our seasoned goalkeeper and it is obvious there would be that void. However, we believe that the one who will be filling in his shoes that day will do their best as preparations for this game are going well,” Dlamini said.
Meanwhile, the goalkeeper and skipper Shabalala said his red card came as a shock, as it was the first time receiving one. “I was hurt but it’s all part of the football game. This was not my last time goalkeeping, so I still have time to improve,” Shabalala said. Expected to step up in the absence of Shabalala is Mxolisi Dlamini.
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