Times Of Swaziland: NFD E50K ‘CARROT’ RACE WIDE OPEN

NFD E50K ‘CARROT’ RACE WIDE OPEN
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Nimrod Hlophe on 30/12/2022 09:03:00


MBABANE – Before the festive break, Rangers’ lead was trimmed to two points.
It is six games to go in the battle for the National First Division E50 000
incentive. The battle is still wide open for any team to claim the first round
honours. Seven games have already gone. Leaders Rangers are still forced to look
over their shoulders due to at least three teams. They may be the favourites at
this stage, but they can’t count their chickens before they hatch. Below are
the teams that have demonstrated capability to challenge for the first round
title.
* Rangers:  The Mthunzi Ginindza-led side only needs consistency to maintain the
top spot. They have a clear first round target, which is 30 points or more. They
are one of the sides who would want to maintain the first spot if they are
determined to be playing in the topflight league next season after losing their
Premier League status. They are one of the feared sides in the lower division.
They have produced the November best player of the month in Bongani Mvubu.
However, the incentive could still slip out their hands if they don’t keep
their eyes on the ball. They have tricky outings against sides that include
Illovo, Black Swallows and Sisonke. 	*Ezulwini United: They are second on the
table and two points behind Rangers at the summit of the log. They have no 
reason to give up with their good run of form. They are on an unbeaten run and
managed to hand Rangers their second defeat of the season. However, their
tenacity will now be put to the test after losing reputable gaffer Caleb Ngwenya
to Mbabane Swallows. 	*Hlatikhulu Tycoons:  They are still in it and they will
want their experience in the National First Division to come in handy. They have
been here for some years and usually miss the promotion narrowly. They are third
placed with the same number of points as Ezulwini and they are familiar with
most of the opponents. They need to shut the back door as they have a high
porous defence.   	*Milling Hotspurs: After being relegated to NFD last season,
they are a threat. They are sixth placed with four points behind log leaders.
They have played the strongest sides and are only left with Tycoons and Chiefs.
Illovo also can’t be ruled out of the race, as they play good football and
boast high fitness levels.