MANZINI WANDERERS STARS LEFT IN THE SHADOWS

MBABANE – Manzini Wanderers players are feeling the ramifications of an extended absence from competitive action.

The club, renowned in the region, last took to the field in early September, during the inaugural 8Bet Trade Fair Cup.  However, their most recent league encounter dates back to May 19, when they faced Denver Sundowns in a crucial relegation clash. Needing a victory, the maroon and white team suffered a crushing 4-2 defeat, leaving them languishing at the bottom of the league table.  Since that setback, Wanderers have been engaged in a fierce battle against relegation, hinging their hopes on a protest regarding skipper Jimoh Moses, whom they allege was ineligible to play during the fateful match.

Contentious

This contentious issue has persisted for over five months and is currently entrenched in the High Court. In a recent development, the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has appealed a court ruling that could have reinstated Wanderers into the fixtures of the top-flight league. This ongoing legal saga has sidelined the club as both the 2024/25 MTN Premier League and the National First Division (NFD) leagues continue to progress. The Premier League has already seen six matches played, while the lower division gears up for its eighth week this coming weekend. The sidelining has been particularly detrimental for the ‘Weslians’ stars, who are now missing out on individual accolades awarded by the league, including the coveted Player of the Month titles that serve as a pathway to the Player of the Season award.

Honour

Royal Leopard’s Junior Magagula was crowned the Premier League’s best player for September, while Malanti Chiefs’ Sibonelo Mayaba took the honour in the lower division. With October’s top players are still to be revealed by the PLE, Wanderers’ stars are left with merely seven months to vie for these prestigious awards, should they return to action next month. Moreover, the players are losing vital opportunities for national team selection.

The national squads are typically comprised of players from prominent clubs like Wanderers, who are considered part of the ‘Big Three’ of the country. Currently, Sihlangu coach Zdravko Logarusic may have the chance to include a player from the beleaguered squad for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championships (CHAN), contingent on Eswatini’s qualification. Another opportunity looms with the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers set to commence in March. It’s worth noting that despite being embroiled in a relegation battle last year, veteran captain Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule managed to secure the January Player of the Month award, showcasing that even in adversity, talent can shine through.

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