Times Of Swaziland: EXPECT A THRILLING SUNDAY – TEAMS

EXPECT A THRILLING SUNDAY – TEAMS
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BY DUMISANI NTIWANE on 21/03/2014 02:40:00


MBABANE – The SwaziBank Cup finalists have vowed to leave no stone unturned in
their quest for glory on Sunday.
They clash at the Somhlolo National Stadium for a place in the finals of the
lucrative tournament. Addressing the media during a press conference held at
Sigwaca House yesterday afternoon, the semi-finalists also assured soccer lovers
that they will be watching top shelf football action.
Army side, Young Buffaloes take on National First Division League ensemble
Mbabane Highlanders in the curtain-raiser game that will kick off at 1.30pm
before the main game of the day pitting the tournament’s defending champions
Mbabane Swallows against police outfit Royal Leopard at 3.30pm
Sandile Gwebu, the Buffaloes PRO, sent the house into stitches of laughter when
he said he was not aware of any team called Mbabane Highlanders because they
(Buffaloes) were plying their trade in the elite league.
“I must admit that we have a problem playing against Highlanders and the
problem is that we do not know them. I am told they play somewhere in the
regions in places like Vuvulane. Having said that, let me add that we have an
injury-free squad with the exception of Muhle Dlamini, that is ready to take on
our opponents. Football lovers should come in numbers to watch good football.
“The order is already out. The team’s authorities want the players to bring
the trophy home and we will do just that. I can assure everyone that by 3pm on
Sunday afternoon, Highlanders’ run in the tournament would have come to an
end,” said Gwebu.
He then appealed for a violence-free day.
There was no official representing Highlanders.  However, the team’s Assistant
PRO, Paul Masilela, is on record having said Buffaloes will be their bridge to
the final where they desire to meet defending champions Mbabane Swallows.
Royal Leopard PRO Frank Hurube, whose team plays against Swallows, said they
were happy that the game on Sunday will definitely be played unlike the MTN
League tie that has been pushed forward numerous times.
Face
“God has given us Swallows and it is Swallows we will face on Sunday. I want
to appeal to football lovers to come in numbers for the games. It is no secret
that as a team we want to go all the way to the finals and that means we have to
go past Swallows,” said Hurube.
Swallows acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sibusiso Manana boasted that
history was on their side and implored the supporters to come in numbers to
prove once and for all that Swallows is the most supported team in the country.
“We are aware that our supporters have been spoilt. They have the luxury of
picking and choosing games because their team is always involved in all kinds of
games. However, I want to urge them to come in numbers on Sunday because this is
a big one. We all know that once we go past Leopard, then we will lift the
trophy.
“We have played so many battles against Leopard. Last year we met them at this
stage and we all know what happened,” Manana said.