A derby Mbabane Highlanders have to win

As Mbabane Highlanders were losing 1-0 to rivals Manzini Wanderers at the Somhlolo National Stadium last month, Mbabane Swallows fans started singing, "Thula S'gebhu, stayishaya le Wanderers." The Swallows fans were having a field day. 

For Highlanders supporters, it was like adding salt to a gaping wound. Already losing to their Manzini rivals, here they were being mocked by their other rivals. How much they give to get one over their high flying neighbors when the two sides meet on Saturday. It's the biggest football match in Swaziland. It's the Mbabane derby. 

Their rivalry is like no other and it's an understatement to say there is no love lost between them. They just don't like each other. Both sets of fans find amusement and happiness in the troubles of the other. It's more than just a football match. But going into Saturday, there is clearly one side that needs the win more; Highlanders. They dropped points yet again in the MTN Premier League on Tuesday, drawing with Tambuti only to see their rivals Swallows beat Manzini Sundowns the next day.

They are now 18 points apart on the log standings. With 41 points, Swallows almost have double the number of points Highlanders have. The gulf in class is clear. To add to their misery, Highlanders are out of the SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup, dramatically losing to a last gasp winner to National First Division side Milling Hot Spurs last Saturday. Already, any chances of lifting silverware this season look remote.

They are definitely out of the League title race and now have the SwaziBank Cup coming in February to try and salvage yet another season that seems destined to end in ignominy. But before that, Highlanders have the perfect stage to try and put some gloss on what has been another disappointing year. They have the derby. Win it and Mlungisi 'Professor' Ngubane's charges will end 2017 on the highest of highs and enter the new year with a spring in their steps.

But lose it and the pressure will mount on the South African coach. Swallows themselves have their own reasons why they will want to complete the double over their sworn enemies. With fellow title challengers Young Buffaloes facing struggling Red Lions on the same day, it seems certain that they will collect all three points and if Swallows lose to Highlanders, then the two sides, Buffaloes and Swallows, will likely end the year equal on points.

Moreover, if Swallows avoid defeat on Saturday, it will take their incredible unbeaten League run to 40 matches. How much they would love to reach that 40 with a win over Highlanders. And how much Highlanders would enjoy ending Swallows' run. 

This derby has so much riding on it. By the time the dust settles at Somhlolo on Saturday evening, it's anyone's guess who the happier side will be. Bring it on!