Golden boot: who takes it home?

The MTN League officially kicked off last weekend with the grand opening games pitting Manzini Wanderers vs. Mbabane Highlanders and Mbabane Swallows vs. Royal Leopards. Interestingly, all four teams have the top strikers capable of wrestling the award from Mbabane Swallows’ sharpshooter Ettieneh Massoye.  

The Cameroonian marksman won the award in his first season here with an impressive 18 goal tally in 18 league matches he played. Sports Writer Chris Dlamini finds out from the top strikers if they will be able to make the 15-goal target set by the Premier League of Swaziland (PLS) for the award to be won and also be able to beat Massoye to it this time around and walk away with the trophy and E7 700 cheque.

Ettieneh Massoye
He opened his account with one goal for Swallows in their loss against Leopards on Sunday at Somhlolo National Stadium. What a start to the season and it looks as though he could again prove deadlier than last season if his star-studded team can start playing to its full potential.
His Take: Could not be reached as he is reportedly out of the country.
Last season’s performance: 18 goals

Ndoda Mthethwa
For a prolific and young striker like him, it was not good to start the season with a red card suspension especially when he is the only natural scorer at Wanderers. He scored the lone goal for his team in the 2-1 loss to Highlanders. The red card could prove his letdown when the season ends next year but he has the potential. He scored nine league goals last season.
His Take: “I scored nine goals last season but I know that if I have to win the top goal scorer’s prize, I must first deal with my behaviour then things will flow for me. I believe nothing is impossible and we have a good team which I think will be stronger after losing the first game. Can’t say much about Massoye as he is his own and I’m my own with set targets for the season.”
Last season’s performance: 9 goals

Msizi Lukhele
This looks set to be his season since joining from Manzini Sundowns. The team’s supporters already look up to him as one of the best players they will have this season. He is in good form and has one goal to his account already.
His Take: “Last season was my worst. So this time I look sharp because I have set myself certain goals and determined to work as hard. If the top scorer’s prize comes my way, I’ll snatch it but my focus is not much into it as I have told myself to keep working hard and the reward will come. I’m happy with the way I started the season and look forward to a good season.”
Last season’s performance: 4 goals

Mfanzile ‘Fash’ Dlamini
If the hands of time could be turned back, then the national team Sihlangu would have a naturally gifted goal king for years from now who is not just about himself but an excellent team player as well. He also started off well with a goal against Swallows and with his side looking stronger than before, he could well be the best hit man. He scored 10 goals last season.
His Take: “My aim is to score in every game I play in and that makes it 22 goals for me this season if I play every game. I know the competition is tough but I will achieve my target and Massoye must know he has to work hard himself if he aims to defend the title. My team started off well and I think we’ll manage to do well this season and probably win the league.”
Last season’s performance: 10 goals

Who Did Not Score?

Mfanfikile ‘Fash’ Ndzimandze
He tried in his first official game in the ‘Birds’ colours but failed to score when Massoye set him up with a cross. However, he is expected to rise to the occasion as he is a known scorer, even from setpieces, something he did with great aplomb last season for Highlanders. He managed 11 goals, the closest to Massoye.
His Take: “I’m looking forward to that prize and people should not judge me from one game. I’m yet to hit the net. I’m not worried with the other competitors scoring a goal each, that’s almost nothing with one game played yet. Massoye beat us last season and now he’s my teammate but we won’t be competing instead we’ll just score goals for the team it doesn’t matter who scores.”
Last season’s performance: 11 goals



 

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