WHO WILL REIGN SUPREME?

MBABANE – This is Mbabane Highlanders’ second appearance in the Ingwenyama MVA Cup final after losing 4-1 to a merciless Young Buffaloes in last year’s final played on March 17, 2019 at the Somhlolo National Stadium.

These two teams are also meeting for the second time in a major Cup final in the new decade after Green Mamba trashed Highlanders 3-1 on April 1, 2012 in the EswatiniBank Cup.
The Correctional Services outfit will also be making their first appearance in the final of undoubtedly the richest tournament on the land.

However, it is worth noting that the cup statistics make pretty much good reading for Green Mamba because this will be their third cup final in the last decade.

WON

They played and won the EswatiniBank Cup, beating the same Highlanders 3-1 on April 1, 2012 and also beating Mbabane Swallows 2-1in the final of the now defunct Castle Premier Challenge Cup in 2014.

So, on paper, Green Mamba have always displayed great cup pedigree and always rise to the occasion when least expected. On the other hand, Highlanders’ coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati cannot be blamed for looking at this tournament with great pride and joy because it has been very kind to him in the past few years.

He is the most successful coach in the tournament’s history, having won it three times in a row with his former team Mbabane Swallows, who ironically, are his current employer’s bitter rivals.

He is on record as declaring that his dream is to help Highlanders win this trophy, which has proven very elusive for them. He knows the right buttons to press and having tasted success before, it should give Highlanders the edge coming to today’s game.
Current Green Mamba coach Caleb Ngwenya has wealth of coaching experience and he will be looking to add a second major trophy to his cabinet after helping the Matsapha-based giants to the MTN Premier League triumph in the past season.

The million-dollar question is, who will have the last laugh? Only 90 minutes of play and possibly penalties will tell but there is no doubt that both these sides boast of talent in their squads.

We take a look at some of these players who are expected to shine and make a difference for their respective teams in today’s final which will be for the fifth edition of the richest tournament in the country, with the winners expected to take home a mouth-watering E1.4 million...

MATCH WINNERS:

Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule
– Mbabane Highlanders

This left-footed attacking mid-fielder is just a great talent. Born and raised in the dusty streets of Msunduza location in Mbabane, this energetic player oozes confidence when on the ball and on his day, he can dismantle any opposition defence. In recent games, he has not been at his usual best but he remains a key player for Highlanders coming to this game.

He is one of the most gifted players in the local premier league but he has not yet realised his fullest potential because he should be playing regularly in the senior national soccer team Sihlangu. That’s how good he is and he can make all the difference today if given room to work his magic. 

Njabulo Thwala
– Green Mamba

This pocket-sized attacking midfielder is one of the most underrated players in the local premier league yet a very dynamic when at his best in the middle of the park.

Signed by the Correctional Services outfit from Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows, this player has matured with time and the fact that the team trust him with the captaincy band shows the respect he commands.

One of his greatest attributes is his vision when on the ball because he is able to pick the right passes.
He can split the opposition in a matter of seconds with a defence-freezing pass.

He is a great asset and a proven match-winner, one of the players to watch in today’s game.

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