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FIGAREIDO, REPS IN 2ND SPOT BATTLE

23/10/2020 08:11:00 BY CHRIS DLAMINI

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MBABANE – You snooze you lose.

This is the scenario in this weekend’s fixtures for the top five teams in the MRPA/Dixie’s International Pool League. MRPA stands for Manzini Regional Pool Association.

At the summit is Correctional Services, who lead second-placed Figareido by four points, who have all eyes on them as they visit third-placed Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) tomorrow. The match is billed for 2pm at the Matsapha Police Academy.

On paper, REPS should win but Figareido are a completely different side this season and have been unpredictable in previous seasons while finishing in decent positions. This time, they look ready to go all the way and challenge for the honours and this is yet another test match for both sides that are level on 22 points. REPS also have a game in hand.

“It’s yet another tough game for us and we visit REPS with high expectations after not doing well last weekend against Way Inn. The figures are clear; one mistake is a bullet as you drop way down the table. REPS are a big side and well-organised but we’ll find our way through,” said Figareido’s Thulani Dlamini.

He said they had another tough encounter last weekend against giants Way Inn and lost unfortunately but they learned from the match and will once again be ready to battle the star-studded REPS.

Experience

Figareido are coming up against a team that has international experience in the likes of the celebrated Dodge Matsebula, one of the most decorated stars Sibusiso Nhlabatsi and Norman Khoza along the talent of Siyabonga Dlamini and Sifiso Dlamini to name a few.

REPS’ PRO Norman Khoza confirmed their tough fixture but said they always did their best to prepare for any match. “Our aim is to win every match we play but yes, you’ll lose some. This weekend’s game is not easy as we’re all fighting to stay atop and we know Correctional are leading which is why it’s important to win,” Khoza said.

He explained that they had a good result in the previous match against Bhunya, who they slaughtered 13-5 and earned the bonus point.

A bonus point means instead of three points for a win you get four but this is when the losing team fails to win seven of their frames. Other exciting games for the top five teams are as follows; Way Inn visit Garrison tomorrow while leaders, Correctional Services host Mankayane in another unpredictable clash for the host team.