SA striker hands Mbabane Highlanders perfect start in Eswatini |

South African forward Josef Lekata ensured Mbabane Highlanders were the biggest winners in the opening round of Eswatini’s MTN Premier League with a brace. 

Highlanders emphatically beat Tambankulu Callies 3-0 in a match played at the Somhlolo Stadium on Sunday. Highlanders’ third goal came through substitute Musa Dlamini.

Eswatini’s topflight roared to life on Saturday with Moneni Pirates and Tambuti playing a 1-1 draw.

13 goals were scored across seven games in the 14-team Premier League.

HIGHLY CONTESTED

The highly contested match of the weekend was the tie between Swallows and Buffaloes at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium in Nhlangano. It ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Swallows started strongly in the opening half, enjoying the better share of possession.

They created better scoring opportunities but could not convert. The closest they came was when Felix Badenhorst, who was at some point linked to Kaizer Chiefs, hit the post.

Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala gave them the lead when he scored after some beautiful build-up play.

Moments later, Swallows suffered a blow when Shabalala had to be withdrawn before the break due to an injury.

Resurgent Buffaloes returned eager to level terms after the break, with Swallows remaining steadfast in protecting the slender lead.

They eventually got their equaliser deep in injury time courtesy of a controversial Sabelo ‘Saviola’ Gamedze strike.  

In another match, two Premier League rookies, Nsingizini Hotspurs and Seven Dreams had contrasting fortunes.

Hotspurs, who bought the status of Vovovo FC, enjoyed a better start when they got two over Denver Sundowns at Ka-Langa Stadium. They will be happy to have kept a clean sheet on the league’s opening day. 

MARQUEE SIGNINGS

On the other hand, Seven Dreams were edged 1-0 by Green Mamba, who paraded their marquee signings Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa and Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu.

The duo were, however, unable to get them the perfect start to the new season, only managing a narrow win over the minnows.

After the league was initially pushed forward by a month, fans would have been thrilled to be back at the stadium.

Full Results: 

Highlanders 3-0 Callies; Swallows 1-1 Buffaloes; Madlenya 1-0 Manzini Wanderers; Royal Leopards 1-1 Manzini Sea Birds; Denver Sundowns 0-2 Nsingizini Hotspurs; Moneni Pirates 1-1 Tambuti; Green Mamba 1-0 Seven Dreams