Times Of Swaziland: MANZINI WANDERERS STARS LEFT IN THE SHADOWS

MANZINI WANDERERS STARS LEFT IN THE SHADOWS
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Nimrod Hlophe on 01/11/2024 11:59:00


MBABANE – Manzini Wanderers players are feeling the ramifications of an
extended absence from competitive action.
The club, renowned in the region, last took to the field in early September,
during the inaugural 8Bet Trade Fair Cup.  However, their most recent league
encounter dates back to May 19, when they faced Denver Sundowns in a crucial
relegation clash. Needing a victory, the maroon and white team suffered a
crushing 4-2 defeat, leaving them languishing at the bottom of the league table.
 Since that setback, Wanderers have been engaged in a fierce battle against
relegation, hinging their hopes on a protest regarding skipper Jimoh Moses, whom
they allege was ineligible to play during the fateful match.
Contentious
This contentious issue has persisted for over five months and is currently
entrenched in the High Court. In a recent development, the Premier League of
Eswatini (PLE) has appealed a court ruling that could have reinstated Wanderers
into the fixtures of the top-flight league. This ongoing legal saga has
sidelined the club as both the 2024/25 MTN Premier League and the National First
Division (NFD) leagues continue to progress. The Premier League has already seen
six matches played, while the lower division gears up for its eighth week this
coming weekend. The sidelining has been particularly detrimental for the
‘Weslians’ stars, who are now missing out on individual accolades awarded by
the league, including the coveted Player of the Month titles that serve as a
pathway to the Player of the Season award.
Honour
Royal Leopard’s Junior Magagula was crowned the Premier League’s best player
for September, while Malanti Chiefs’ Sibonelo Mayaba took the honour in the
lower division. With October’s top players are still to be revealed by the
PLE, Wanderers’ stars are left with merely seven months to vie for these
prestigious awards, should they return to action next month. Moreover, the
players are losing vital opportunities for national team selection.
The national squads are typically comprised of players from prominent clubs like
Wanderers, who are considered part of the ‘Big Three’ of the country.
Currently, Sihlangu coach Zdravko Logarusic may have the chance to include a
player from the beleaguered squad for the TotalEnergies African Nations
Championships (CHAN), contingent on Eswatini’s qualification. Another
opportunity looms with the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers set to commence in March.
It’s worth noting that despite being embroiled in a relegation battle last
year, veteran captain Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule managed to secure the January
Player of the Month award, showcasing that even in adversity, talent can shine
through.