Times Of Swaziland: ‘BIRDS’ PRIMED FOR TRICKY LEOPARD TEST

‘BIRDS’ PRIMED FOR TRICKY LEOPARD TEST
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Mengameli Mabuza on 04/05/2023 12:36:00


MBABANE - Mbabane Swallows’ quest for a top two spot in the MTN Premier League
table faces what could be a stern challenge when they visit Royal Leopard on
Sunday.
It is the last mile, as the chase for the holy grail of Eswatini football is
about to reach boiling point. Ahead of this Sunday’s blockbuster, Swallows
knows very well that the dream of playing in Africa is still very much alive. Of
late, this fixture has become high-scoring and there have been 11 goals scored
in the past five games between the two sides. The last fixture was back on
October 10, 2022, which finished in a 2-all draw. Swallows Coach Caleb Ngwenya
comes to the game knowing that a win will potentially give his side a chance to
go with the league winners to representing the country in the second-tier
tournament styled CA Confederation Cup.
While only Swallows are on a 12-game unbeaten run in the league, Leopard are
currently without a win in their last three MTN Premier  League games and will
be out to dent Swallows’ hopes on Sunday. With this game proving to be high
scoring, this weekend’s meeting is expected to be no different as the teams
boast goal-poachers in their quality sides. Umkhonto KaShaka will be hoping that
players like Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst and Kwakhe
Thwala, who are expected to spearhead their attack, are switched on for the
match. Leopard, on the other hand, will be trusting players like Junior ‘Shisa
Gesi’ Magagula, Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini and Kelvin Kunene. Below we zoom in
on the players who are expected to steal the show in the game which promises to
have fireworks.
Felix Badenhorst (Swallows)
The leading MTN Premier League sharp shooter has been a revelation for swallows
this season. Once again, they will be looking at him to influence the results
against Leopard as he has done in many games this season. Badenhorst has scored
20 goals in 24 matches for the ‘Birds’ in the current campaign and will be
looking to add a few before the curtain falls on the league.
Ayanda Gadlela (Swallows)
The former Tambuti FC attacking player has proven to be one of the best signings
for Swallows, scoring important goals. He will be aiming to continue scoring
against the defending champions.
Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini (Leopard)
The former Mbabane Highlanders player has been a revelation for Leopard this
season, together with Junior Magagula. He will be one of the players who will
cause a major threat for a Swallows side still dreaming to play in Africa.
Skhumbuzo Magagula (Leopard)
The leopard left-back will have his work cut out with Gadlela consistently
running at him with the ball glued on his educated left foot. On top of dealing
with the obvious threat from the Swallows wingers, ‘Skhulu’ will have to
play an important role for his team, something that Leopard will need in
abundance.