Swazi football is worth it

The weather had turned terrible. It was getting late. Most had to prepare for work for Monday. But none left Somhlolo National Stadium as Mbabane Highlanders and Matsapha United fought it out in an epic battle that will linger long in the memory of those who were at the national stadium on Sunday.

The SwaziBank Cup Management Committee's decision to schedule kickoff of the first match at 2pm was terrible. Not when there was a double header. Not when there was a chance both matches could go the extended mile into extra time. Not in winter when the sun sets much earlier.

With the first match between Manzini Wanderers and Manzini Sundowns having taken an extra +-45 minutes of extratime and penalties and with the second match heading in the same direction, the MC's decision was brought into the limelight. What a terrible decision it was.

But Swazis, proving once again what a football loving people they are, stayed in their numbers, under terrible conditions, and watched on as Highlanders and Matsapha produced a match for the ages.

The Black Bull looked to have sealed their place in the semis when South African sensation Thabiso Mokenkoane hit home a stunning freekick in the 11th minute of extra time.

Highlanders looked to be safely going through and after the fourth official had raised his board to show only one minute of added time at the end of extra time, Highlanders supporters in the stands got up to leave. They knew they had won it and wanted to beat the traffic out of Somhlolo.

But no, Matsapha were not down and out just yet. Fullback Sabelo 'Sawa' Gamedze, a former Highlanders player, sent in one last cross into the Highlanders box and substitute Kwenzokuhle Khumalo leaped expertly to nod home the equaliser. Highlanders were left stunned. Their supporters were soon back in their seats. Humbled and fearful, they had to endure the agony of the penalty shootout.

But Highlanders emerged unscathed. Their first five penalty takers were cool as ice, slotting home all their kicks while Matsapha's Menzi Mamba fluffed his effort. Highlanders were through but only just.

Coach Mlungisi 'Professor' Ngubane hailed his side's opponents in his post match interview. "Matsapha can play," he said.

Now, what we saw on Sunday reminded us of one thing, Swazis can play. Swazi football is worth it. It's worth our time, energy and support.

As we prepare for the biggest clash of the year between Highlanders and Wanderers in the semifinals on Sunday, I would like to invite anyone who hasn't yet taken local football on board. Prepare yourself and go to that match. You won't regret it. Swazi football is worth it.