NFD E50K ‘CARROT’ RACE WIDE OPEN

MBABANE – Before the festive break, Rangers’ lead was trimmed to two points.

It is six games to go in the battle for the National First Division E50 000 incentive. The battle is still wide open for any team to claim the first round honours. Seven games have already gone. Leaders Rangers are still forced to look over their shoulders due to at least three teams. They may be the favourites at this stage, but they can’t count their chickens before they hatch. Below are the teams that have demonstrated capability to challenge for the first round title.

• Rangers:  The Mthunzi Ginindza-led side only needs consistency to maintain the top spot. They have a clear first round target, which is 30 points or more. They are one of the sides who would want to maintain the first spot if they are determined to be playing in the topflight league next season after losing their Premier League status. They are one of the feared sides in the lower division. They have produced the November best player of the month in Bongani Mvubu. However, the incentive could still slip out their hands if they don’t keep their eyes on the ball. They have tricky outings against sides that include Illovo, Black Swallows and Sisonke.
• Ezulwini United: They are second on the table and two points behind Rangers at the summit of the log. They have no  reason to give up with their good run of form. They are on an unbeaten run and managed to hand Rangers their second defeat of the season. However, their tenacity will now be put to the test after losing reputable gaffer Caleb Ngwenya to Mbabane Swallows.
• Hlatikhulu Tycoons:  They are still in it and they will want their experience in the National First Division to come in handy. They have been here for some years and usually miss the promotion narrowly. They are third placed with the same number of points as Ezulwini and they are familiar with most of the opponents. They need to shut the back door as they have a high porous defence. 
• Milling Hotspurs: After being relegated to NFD last season, they are a threat. They are sixth placed with four points behind log leaders. They have played the strongest sides and are only left with Tycoons and Chiefs. Illovo also can’t be ruled out of the race, as they play good football and boast high fitness levels.

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