Times Of Swaziland: ‘BIRDS’, ‘BUFFS’ RENEW RIVALRY

‘BIRDS’, ‘BUFFS’ RENEW RIVALRY
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Melusi Mkhabela on 24/12/2024 10:04:00


MBABANE – The return of the MTN Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) is poised to
feature a thrilling double-header at the Mavuso Sports Centre.
The reigning champions, Mbabane Swallows, will go head-to-head with stuttering
Young Buffaloes, as both teams look to shake off the festive hiatus and secure
vital points—ideally three. Currently positioned third in the PLE standings,
Mbabane Swallows trail second-placed Green Mamba by just two points and will be
keen to seize maximum points against their sixth-placed rivals. Swallows enter
this encounter on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Royal Leopard, who remain unbeaten
this season.
Kicking off the double-header on January 4 will be Ezulwini United, set to face
an in-form Moneni Pirates. This match is scheduled to commence at 3pm, followed
by the clash between Swallows and Buffaloes at 5pm. Another intriguing fixture
marking the league’s return will see Green Mamba take on Mbabane Highlanders
at the Mkhuzweni Technical Centre, also starting at 3pm. Green Mamba currently
occupy second place, tied on points with league leaders Royal Leopard.
Their first opponents of 2025, Mbabane Highlanders, find themselves in 11th 
place, with an eight-point gap separating them from the bottom team, Madlenya.
Highlanders have recorded only two victories prior to the festive break,
suffering five losses and four draws.