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YELLOW CARDS HURT ‘BIRDS’, ‘INGWE

10/03/2023 09:27:00 Machawe Fakudze

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MBABANE – The duo of Mbabane Swallows and Royal Leopard will be without the services of some of their key players heading to the weekend’s crucial MTN Premier League games.

Mbabane Swallows, who want to reclaim the second spot, will have to play their week 19 epic clash against rivals Manzini Wanderers on Sunday without lanky striker Sandile ‘Shoeshine’ Hlatjwako, who is enjoying game time under new gaffer Caleb Ngwenya. Rejuvenated defending champions Royal Leopard have also been dealt a blow, as trusted left back Sikhumbuzo ‘Skhulu’ Magagula will not be in the match day squad to face the unpredictable Denver Sundowns today at KaLanga Technical Centre. On the other hand, Sundowns will be minus Tony Brinkonis, who scored a brace in the 5-0 thrashing of Manzini Wanderers this past Sunday at Mavuso Sports Centre.

Leaders

Meanwhile, the most affected side in the NFD are Ezulwini United, who have a date with log leaders Rangers late today at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground. Two of their key players in Siboniso Motsa and Siyabonga Magagula have been nabbed by Article 6(2) of the MTN National First Division Rules and Regulations. In total, the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has suspended a total of nine players from both the Premier League and the second-tier of local football, the National First Division League (NFD).

The PLE has used Article 6(2) of the MTN Premier League and National First Division Rules, which states that: Any player dismissed from the field of play by the referee (i.e. red carded or sent off, including dismissal as a result of two (2) yellow cards awarded in the same match) for the first time in any season shall be suspended from participation in the next one (1) match to be played by his team in any official competition under the auspices of the PLE and this Rule shall duly be affected by any subsequent amendment by FIFA as the case may be.