THREE-HORSE RACE FOR 1ST ROUND E200K INCENTIVE - DOMINIC

MBABANE – National team Sihlangu head coach Dominic Kunene believes the battle for the first round E200 000 incentive has snowballed into a three-horse race.

Kunene picked current log leaders, Mbabane Highlanders, Royal Leopard and Manzini Sea Birds as serious contenders for the first round incentive. “For me, only three teams are in contention now because with the remaining games, the three teams can all reach 32 points and everybody then has a chance. It will now depend on how the three teams fare in the remaining games,” Kunene said.

Quizzed as to what was key at this stage of the season for the competing teams, Kunene said mental toughness was the determining factor. “More than anything, tactics and fitness, the players are already adapting at this stage so you must work on their mental strength. The players must not put themselves under unnecessary pressure. For instance, if you concede an early goal against a team you consider as minnows, you might crack yet when you are mentally strong, you can bounce back. It’s a critical stage,” Kunene observed. Mbabane Highlanders are top of the pile after a fortuitous 1-0 win over bitter rivals Mbabane Swallows on Sunday, and the ‘Black Bull’ is now two points ahead of Royal Leopard, who have a game in hand.

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