SA AMAZULU FACE ‘WESLIANS’, ‘BIRDS’

MBABANE – Heavyweights Mbabane Swallows and Manzini Wanderers will test their resolve against South Africa’s Absa Premiership side Amazulu.

The Kwazulu-Natal-based South Africa’s top-tier side will play back-to-back international friendly matches against Wanderers and Swallows at Mavuso Sports Centre between March 22 and 24, which will be the FIFA week.

It was reliably gathered that they would be bringing their full squad for the games except players who will be away on international duty, especially the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers. Notable players in Amazulu squad include the duo of Thembela Sikhakhane and Marc Van Heerden, who used to play for Orlando Pirates. Other stars include the trusted trio of Michael Morton, Talent Chawapiwa and Tapelo Nyongo.

The purpose of the games is to assist the host country in long-term football development while Swallows and Wanderers are expected to use them to register their supporters.

delegation

“The visit will be preceded by a delegation that will be meeting the FA and other stakeholders,” shared an impeccable source.
Amazulu officials usually make stops in the country, especially during finals of the Eswatini Football Association’s flagship juniors’ tournament, which is played under the Build-It banner. The visitors identify shining local youngsters for development.

Play

According to a programme for the festivities, Amazulu will arrive on Friday, March 22 and play their first match on the following day against Wanderers at 3:30pm. Swallows will have a date with the visitors on March 24 at the same time.
A full programme for Amazulu’s stay in the country and logistics regarding the game, especially the entry fees, will be released in due course.
Amazulu Manager Qedi Dlamini confirmed the latest development when sought for comment yesterday.

Swallows PRO Jackson Dlamini confirmed learning about the fixture, but said he was still waiting for full details regarding other logistics that include the venue. His Wanderers counterpart Sandile ‘Ntofo’ Dlamini said he was yet to get a correspondence about the event.
Meanwhile, Amazulu, who are 11th in the 16-team Absa Premiership standings, will provide a perfect test for both Swallows and Wanderers.

tutelage

The Durban-based ensemble are under the tutelage of respected gaffer Cavin Johnson. They may be blowing hot and cold this season, but have surprised many, as they managed to pick up the pieces following a major setback early this season. They were docked six points by South Africa’s Premier Soccer League in September last year after they reportedly failed to abide to a FIFA ruling regarding an employment dispute involving one  Namibian player Phineas Nambandi.

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