Professor’s start solid, but goals are needed

Mlungisi ‘Professor’ Ngubane received a heart warming reception as he walked past Mbabane Highlanders fans after their goalless draw against Moneni Pirates at the Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday. It was, to an extent, a well deserved reception. Even though Ngubane had failed to inspire his side to a win in his first match in charge, there were some positives to draw from the performance.

Highlanders looked much more organised than they were in the 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Young Buffaloes three weeks ago under stand in coach Christian Thwala. On Sunday, the Mbabane giants looked well drilled and their shape was clear. But goalscoring remains a challenge and Ngubane will have to find answers soon. Highlanders have scored just 13 goals in the same number of League matches so far, the worst record of any of the current top 11.

Ngubane proved he will not shy away from big decisions on Sunday, leaving fan favourite Mfanufikile ‘Fash’ Ndzimandze on the bench. But at the beginning of the second half the striker was brought on as Ngubane discovered his side’s achilles heel; scoring goals. Fash’s introduction could not inspire Highlanders to a victory however. For the sixth time in the MTN Premier League already this season, Highlanders fans went back home without having witnessed a goal scored by their side.

Ngubane will have his hands full. He needs to find solutions to his side’s goalscoring dilemma. The next two matches against rivals Manzini Wanderers and Matsapha United already seem so pivotal for the South African coach. Win both and the Ngubane Highlanders revolution will be well and truly underway. But it is easier said than done. Wanderers are no longer the same side they were when these two teams met in the opening day of the season in September. Highlanders ran out 4-1 winners then.

Since then however, Wanderers have brought their house in order and a four match winning streak has seen them climb up to third on the log standings. Wanderers coach Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe has declared that Highlanders won’t beat his side by 4 again and he might well be right. The former Mbabane Swallows coach’s puzzle is finally starting to come together at Wanderers and his team will provide the ultimate litmus test for Ngubane’s Highlanders.

It is symbolic in itself that four of Highlanders’ 13 goals so far this season came in that drubbing of Wanderers. Perhaps they will find their scoring feet again this coming Sunday. Perhaps the Professor will have the answers. He needs to find solutions quickly though. The Highlanders fans might love him now but they are not known for their patience. Just ask Alou Badara and Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane.