Times Of Swaziland: DESERVING TALENT SNUBBED

DESERVING TALENT SNUBBED
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BY CHRIS DLAMINI on 11/03/2014 03:58:00


MBABANE – If you have not taken the time to watch any of the PLS Under-20
League games, then you have not seen the vast talent this country oozes, much in
contrast with the FIFA Rankings our senior national team Sihlangu occupies
following its poor showing in recent years.
Clearly, as South African coach Ted Dumitru once put it during one of his visits
in the country, Swaziland boasted one of the best football talents, something he
said was noted by most international coaches about southern Africa when they
come for clinics. From his statement, it follows that if the country’s
football leaders were visionary about development, then Sihlangu would be
competitive.
The PLS has outdone the Football Association (FA) here by introducing this
junior league – it is only a matter of time before we reap the rewards.
Meanwhile, below we preview the weekend games which were all played at the
Somhlolo National Stadium on Saturday and Sunday. We also briefly highlight the
League’s snub in as far as the National Under-20 squad selection is concerned.
Enjoy the read!
Game of the week:
Mbabane Swallows vs Manzini Wanderers – Without any doubt, this game went
beyond expectations as it exposed the bitter rivalry between the two senior
teams, a scenario that made it even more interesting. It was easy to see that
both clubs and coaches did not want to lose the match, for obvious reasons, and
the improved crowd liked every bit of the action. The match ended 2-all. Great
goals, skill and tension characterised the match.
Star of the week:
Malunge Dlamini (Mbabane Swallows midfielder) - Usually the goal scorers would
compete for this one but this time around, the provider takes this one after a
sterling performance having come off the bench mid-way through the second half.
His introduction in the game worked wonders for Umkhonto KaShaka – lazy he may
appear but whenever he got the ball, his composure, skill and vision did the
trick as it was too much for the opposition. It was his sublime skill that set
up the second goal for Swallows to avoid a 2-1 loss to their rivals, Wanderers,
who were leading.
Best winners of the week:
Young Buffaloes – They were the highest scoring team as they pummelled a
faltering Umbelebele Jomo Cosmos 4-1.
The army side is looking good and sharp such that their opponents should be wary
of them – they are strong and tactically good.
Most consistent team:
Manzini Sundowns – The Penuel Malinga-coached team is yet to lose a match and
despite being a game behind leaders Royal Leopard, a win in their pending match
against solid-as-a-rock Malanti Chiefs takes them back to the top with a point
lead. Their match was abandoned due to heavy rain.
Crowd attendance:
This was the highest attendance thus far which is a great improvement and
positive for the young boys. Nearly 200 people watched the games on Saturday
with Wanderers dominating as the senior team’s supporters came clad in their
replicas to cheer the young stars. Keep it up MaWeseli and may the rest copy
from you!
Notable Faces:
It was pleasing to see elite stars like Mbabane Swallows’ Mandla Palma, Wonder
‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko and their Zambian coach Christopher Tembo. Others
included the teams’ officials like Sibusiso Manana (Swallows’ CEO), Sandile
Gwebu (Buffaloes’ PRO) and Frank Hurube (Royal Leopard’s PRO).
Under-20 PRO’s comments:
‘U-20 League has exceptional talent’
“The past weekend’s games recorded the best crowd, especially on Saturday,
something we as the PLS commend and feel can get better. This is where you see
the future of local football as the boys are showing so much talent that just
needs international exposure through the junior squads. Some of the players have
made it to the Under-15 national squad but we hope with time, even the league
will produce players for the Under-20 squad. After all, there are very good and
exceptionally talented players here who could use the exposure that comes with
the national junior squad. No coach wants to lose so we should keep working
hard, not lose focus and we’ll be recognised as this is for the future of
Sihlangu. Otherwise, you haven’t watched the young boys you are missing a lot
when it is all free of charge.”
(Note that the National Under-20 squad released last week by the NFAS shows some
tried and tested stars whose ages remain seriously questionable while the PLS
Under-20 League was ignored.)