‘LEOPARD, ‘BULL’ IN TRICKY REVENGE TIE

MBABANE – Last week was match-day 27 in the gruelling MTN Premier League, with the top four clubs going head-to-head in what were potential title deciding fixtures.

Unfortunately, while fans were treated to splendid football at the Mavuso Sports Centre in Manzini, by second-placed Mbabane Highlanders and leaders Royal Leopard, Mbabane Swallows and Young Buffaloes at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium in Nhlangano, the match ended in draws. It was 1-1 in Manzini and goalless in Nhlangano – the gap between Leopard and Highlanders remains two points, with three matches to go, while Swallows are two points behind Highlanders. Buffaloes are a point behind Swallows on fourth. Nonetheless, while news of the two-week break are disturbing as the league now on its peak, the action continues today. Read below as we go through some of the exciting fixtures;

Sly’ has ‘turn the table’ task

Whenever a team with the status of minnows in the big boys’ league plays their much fancied rivals, it always makes easy work for the technical bench, because players always get self-motivated. Every player wants to showcase his best against a big team. Vovovo are in that situation and also have to rise from their 2-1 loss to Moneni Pirates last Sunday at the Mavuso Sports Centre, which put a dent to their fifth spot finish. Vovovo now trail Tambankulu Callies by four points and are placed on position six, but can still be way lower if they lose the remaining three fixtures, and some of the teams below them win two or all. They beat Highlanders 1-0 at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground, in a match the capital city giants had no head coach in, as they had just parted ways with Ernest Mavuso.

The now Green Mamba coach had gone nine games without defeat, and looked on course to win the first round incentive but was released before Vovovo. It is now his successor’s job to turn the tables against a tricky Vovovo. The Motshane team has the quality to cause an upset, including stars like former Highlanders forward, Sibusiso Tfwala and troublesome skillful winger, Siyabonga Zwane as well as midfielder, Bandile Shongwe who can be a real thorn to any opposition. Interestingly, Sly’s team played their best match under the South African sky and could be in the mood to go again this afternoon, and KaLanga is one of the venues they have thrived in to be in position two in the log standings. Leading Vovovo will be coach Caleb Ngwenya, who was unfortunate to see his team go down against Pirates, but it happens when you miss your chances, like he later watched Highlanders miss a penalty in the second half that would see them take a 2-0 lead early in the second half. A must-win for Highlanders, while Vovovo do not the same pressure as much they can still make the prize list by finishing fifth and taking home a E100 000. Highlanders play Green Mamba and Mbabane Swallows in their next and last two fixtures of the league season.

Players to watch:

Philani Mkhontfo (Highlanders midfielder)
Siyabonga  Zwane (Vovovo forward)

‘Birds’ aim to fly past ‘Sea Robbers’

Three consecutive wins after a bad spell of results, as they went five matches without a point, Moneni Pirates seem to have recharged on time but against a team that is unbeaten in eight matches now with just one draw last week against Young Buffaloes. Pirates lost 3-0 on January 15, this year in the reverse fixture but that was the time they had taken a dip in form until this month. They have managed to beat Denver Sundowns, Green Mamba and Vovovo with 2-1 margins but could this be a good omen for them? They used to be Swallows’ hoodoo team and even where they lost, it was often after an exciting game of football for the fans and with respectable margin.

Having attained these wins without a head coach but their assistant Thembela Dlamini, they have the task to survive relegation, and it has so far gone well for them they may need just a win or four points to be guaranteed elite football next season. Their rivals today are talking Africa which means they are challenging for honours to win the TOTALEnergies CAF Champions League 2022/23 ticket. That ambition is a target for Swallows, they do not plan on finishing as runners-up as much that position also brings the ticket to the TOTALEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2022/23.

It just keeps getting interesting, because one is vying for honours and other for relegation survival with both teams having not lost in the last three matches. Swallows have had narrow wins thanks to goals by April Player of Month Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko who continues to be exemplary for the youngsters, as his clean habits have kept him a star even at over 40 years of age. He will be inspired to continue his great contribution for Swallows a few games since his return from retirement but already has banged five goals.

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