Times Of Swaziland: TOP-OF-THE-TABLE FORCES BATTLE

TOP-OF-THE-TABLE FORCES BATTLE
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by themba zwane  on 23/10/2019 01:21:00


by themba zwane
MBABANE – Every- thing is at stake in this one.
Think of points to finish the first round of the 2019/20 MTN Premier League at
the summit of the log, they need them, think of bragging rights as it is a
forces’ derby, they need them.
That is the story of Royal Leopard and Young Buffaloes, who will clash in what
will surely be a nerve-racking encounter this afternoon. The two sides are
placed second and third with Buffaloes on top with a better goal difference.
The army side are enjoying a flawless record having won all their six games of
the league, while Edwin Matsebula’s troops lost one at the hands of hub giants
Manzini Wanderers in their last league outing in seven games played.
Buffaloes may be boasting a 100 per cent record after winning all their six
games this season but they have reasons to be wary against the police outfit
that has dominated in this fixture.
While this fixture has become synonymous with draws, Buffaloes have only
prevailed once in the last 10 league meetings. Leopard has won three times while
six matches have ended in stalemates.
Last season, Buffaloes failed to beat Leopard in the league after losing 2-0 in
the last game of the season. In the first round game, which was played at
Killarney Sports Ground in Pigg’s Peak on December 1, 2018, the teams settled
for a 1-all draw.
The police outfit has a mammoth task or a huge mountain to climb without the
services of lanky striker Berry Steenkamp and versatile midfielder Zweli
‘Mlilo’ Nxumalo who are both ruled out due to injury.
The winner of this one will dislodge capital giants Mbabane Swallows at the
summit of the log who have 20 points after eight games played.
When the teams draw, Dominic Kunene’s troops’ chances of going to the top
are bigger compared to Leopard whose goal difference is just eight.