Times Of Swaziland: MTN PREMIER LEAGUE DERBY PREVIEW: PRIDE, PRESTIGE, BRAGGING RIGHTS AT STAKE

MTN PREMIER LEAGUE DERBY PREVIEW: PRIDE, PRESTIGE, BRAGGING RIGHTS AT STAKE
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Mengameli Mabuza on 10/11/2024 08:53:00


MBABANE – Today, the nation’s attention will be fixed on the Mavuso Sports
Centre as Mbabane Highlanders square off against their sworn rivals, Mbabane
Swallows, in a crucial MTN Premiership clash.
The contrasting fortunes of the two sides are set to collide in what promises to
be a fiercely contested encounter. Highlanders, buoyed by a shock victory over
Young Buffaloes midweek, will be looking to carry their newfound momentum into
this crucial fixture. On the other hand, Swallows, fresh off a narrow defeat at
the hands of the high-flying Moneni Pirates, will be eager to put that
disappointment behind them and reassert their dominance over their age-old
rivals. Injuries and suspensions will undoubtedly play a significant role in
shaping the outcome of the game.
The Mthunzi Ginindza side have been dealt a blow by the absence of key defender
Vusi ‘Ramos’ Vilakati and the talented Siyabonga Mkhonto and they will be
sweating over their availability for the clash against their bitter rivals.
Meanwhile, the Caleb Ngwenya side will be without the influential attacking
forward Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala, who dislocated his ankle in the
previous match against Pirates, a significant setback for the team. Adding to
Swallows’ woes, the pacey winger Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula, who could have
made his first appearance in the derby, will be unavailable due to a yellow card
suspension, leaving the team without one of their most important weapons in
attack.
On paper, Swallows appear to be the favourites for the derby, having won three
of their last five matches against Highlanders. However, past performances do
not hold much weight in the heat of the derby. Highlanders will be relying on
the likes of Philani ‘ Mkasabuli’  Mkhonto, Thabiso Mokenkoane and Fabrice
Mopina, both former Swallows players. Meanwhile, Swallows will be pinning their
hopes on Ayanda ‘ Gandaganda’Gadlela and Siyabonga ‘ Gusheshe’ Zwane,
who have both had lacklustre seasons so far, as well as the trusted midfielder
Leon ‘Schuster’ Manyisa.