‘BUFFS’, LEOPARD OUTSHINE DSTV TEAMS

MBABANE – Latest continental charts suggest that if some Eswatini teams are up there ‘with the big boys’.

Security forces sides Royal Leopard and Young Buffaloes, who have featured prominently in continental tournaments in recent times, are ranked better than renowned teams in the continent in the latest Confederation of African Football (CAF) club rankings. The rankings were released by Football Alphabet. Out of over 1 370 clubs in Africa, Leopard are in the top 100 in Africa and they are the best-ranked Eswatini side. They are 96th and they are followed by fellow security ensemble in Buffaloes who are placed 128th in Africa.  This rating places the two Eswatini above renowned sides that include South Africa’s DStv Premiership trio of Sekhukhune United (130), Moroka Swallows (148), and Royal AM (182). Chippa United, who recently beat heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs by 2-0, are also behind Leopard.  Chippa are ranked 126th.

According to information sourced from  Football Alphabet, the club ranking is calculated based on the results of the last five years of intercontinental, continental and national competitions. The most recent year has a total point value of 100 per cent. Each previous year has a decreasing weight, with the fifth year counting only 50 per cent of its original value. Other Eswatini teams appearing on the charts include Mbabane Swallows (175), Green Mamba (195), Manzini Wanderers (358), Moneni Pirates (372), Denver Sundowns (398) and Manzini Sea Birds (406).

Even though he was yet to learn about the charts, Royal Leopard Public Relations Officer (PRO), said they were excited and humbled by the reports. “To us, this is a motivation as we fight for league honours this season,” he said. Buffaloes Chief Executive Officer Sandile Gwebu shared the same sentiments. “It is really encouraging to be number 128 out of the many clubs in the continent. One would congratulate the club president, chairperson, management committee, technical staff and players for such an achievement. There is still room for improvement,” he said. In recent times, this publication reported that Leopard broke into the continental charts after reaching the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup group stages, over two years ago.

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