Times Of Swaziland: ‘BIRDS’ FACE MADLENYA IN MUST-WIN

‘BIRDS’ FACE MADLENYA IN MUST-WIN
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Mengameli Mabuza on 08/02/2025 09:08:00


MBABANE – Mbabane Swallows will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways when
they face off against Madlenya this afternoon.
In the wake of a difficult start to the year, Swallows face a critical match
against Madlenya this afternoon. With only a single draw and a loss to Young
Buffaloes since the start of 2025, the defending champions find themselves
languishing in sixth position in the league standings. Furthermore, the second
round of registration has seen six of the team’s key players depart, leaving
the squad with a gaping void to fill.
In contrast, ‘Gozi Gobana’ occupies the unenviable bottom spot in the
league, holding a meagre three points from their matches thus far. For them,
securing a win against Umkhonto KaShaka could be a vital lifeline in their
struggle for survival in the MTN Premier League.
The match itself, however, is not without its share of uncertainty, as the
fitness of Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula, a key attacking midfielder for Mbabane
Swallows, remains in question after sustaining an injury during their recent 1-1
draw against Manzini Sea Birds. The pressure is on for the hosts to seize this
opportunity to reassert their dominance and climb back up the league standings,
with pivotal players such as Njongo Mazibuko and Biko Sibandze set to lead the
offensive charge.
Victory
Meanwhile, Madlenya will look to Sethu Ngcamphalala, Lindelwa Mngometulu and
Sehluko Nkabinde to steer them to victory and inject some much-needed life into
their campaign to evade relegation. As the match commences, the stakes
couldn’t be higher for both teams.
For the Sindiso Gama side, victory is imperative to rejuvenate their season and
move  them back into contention. It remains to be seen whether Madlenya’s
pluck and determination can upset the odds and halt Swallows’ recovery, or if
the latter will spread their wings and soar to a much-needed victory.