By 
By Sibusiso Masilela
Finally, Mbabane Highlanders have got their man. The Capital City giants broke the bank to bring their most sought target Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze into the ‘Bull’ Krall. ‘Inkunzemnyama’ paid their cross-town rivals Mbabane Swallows a staggering E80 000 to secure the services of the former Polokwane City playmaker before the transfer deadline on Friday afternoon.
He is the second most expensive player in the current transfer window after Royal Leopards striker Sibonelo ‘Jekwa’Simelane who was signed from Moneni Pirates for a sum of E100 000. ‘FIFA’, as Sikhondze is affectionately called by his peers, is the third signing for Highlanders after Menzi Sithole and Njabulo ‘Koko’ Gama. The skilful has been in the spotlight over his future since his shocking resignation from Swallows in mid-September.
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This eventually turned his relationship with his former side bitter after he reported Swallows to the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) players status committee in a bid to join a team of his choice. However, Swallows won the legal battle after the independent football body ruled that the player belonged to them. Highlanders Public Relations Officer (PRO) Kenneth Dlamini only confirmed the signing of the player and declined to divulge figures.
“We would like to thank our hardworking Managing Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe for his efforts in ensuring that the player joins us following the negotiations. He is a quality player who will add value in the team together with the rest of the new signings,” he said.
Swallows Public Relations Officer (PRO) Knowledge Ngwenya said he was yet to verify the matter with the club Board Chairman Masotja Vilakati who was handling the negotiations. Other major transfers saw Manzini Wanderers signing seasoned former Royal Leopard striker Thabiso Mokenkoane on the transfer deadline day on Friday.
