Times Of Swaziland: RECORDS IN FIRING LINE ON ‘SUPER SATURDAY’

RECORDS IN FIRING LINE ON ‘SUPER SATURDAY’
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Ashmond Nzima on 06/02/2025 09:12:00


MBABANE – Mavuso Sports Centre will be home to a crackerjack fixture between
joint log leaders Royal Leopard and the fast-improving Moneni Pirates on
Saturday.
The stakes are high, with records and reputations on the line in a match that
could define the title race. Royal Leopard come into this encounter with an
impressive record, remaining unbeaten in 20 games across all competitions since
last season.
Defeat
Their last defeat came at the hands of Moneni Pirates, who pulled off a stunning
0-2 upset during the Trade Fair in September, last year. This will undoubtedly
linger in the minds of both teams, as they prepare for what is sure to be an
intense battle. The coaching duels will also be pivotal, with both Caleb Ngwenya
of Moneni Pirates and Edwin Matsebula of Royal Leopard possessing a pedigree for
winning the league. Leopard, who have been the epitome of consistency this
season, have the upper hand in terms of depth and experience. Pirates, on the
other hand, have proven to be the dark horses in the title race, sitting just
five points adrift of the summit.
Records will be in the firing line in this encounter, as Ngwenya has remained
unbeaten in all four games since taking over the reins at Pirates. The likes of
Mazwi Sihlongonyane, Xolani ‘Messi’ Ngwenya and Lindani ‘Rio’ Matsenjwa
will be tasked with carrying the hopes of the Pirates faithful on their
shoulders. On the other hand, Leopard’s depth and quality will be on full
display, with the likes of Junior Magagula and Sibonelo ‘Jekwa’ Simelane,
who face their former employers, eager to put their best foot forward.
Impressive
The visitors will be keen to preserve their impressive unbeaten run and maintain
their position at the top of the table. However, this clash will test
Leopard’s tenacity, as they were held to a 1-1 draw in their first-round
league meeting with Pirates. Leopard Coach Matsebula has acknowledged the
challenge ahead, but he has dismissed any notion of his team being jittery,
emphasising their unwavering determination to come out on top. With the league
title race gaining momentum, the stakes could not be higher in this ‘Super
Saturday’ encounter. Both teams will be desperate to secure the three points
and cement their respective positions in the standings, making this a must-watch
clash for any football enthusiast.