MTN PREMIER LEAGUE DERBY PREVIEW: PRIDE, PRESTIGE, BRAGGING RIGHTS AT STAKE

MBABANE – Today, the nation’s attention will be fixed on the Mavuso Sports Centre as Mbabane Highlanders square off against their sworn rivals, Mbabane Swallows, in a crucial MTN Premiership clash.

The contrasting fortunes of the two sides are set to collide in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter. Highlanders, buoyed by a shock victory over Young Buffaloes midweek, will be looking to carry their newfound momentum into this crucial fixture. On the other hand, Swallows, fresh off a narrow defeat at the hands of the high-flying Moneni Pirates, will be eager to put that disappointment behind them and reassert their dominance over their age-old rivals. Injuries and suspensions will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the game.

The Mthunzi Ginindza side have been dealt a blow by the absence of key defender Vusi ‘Ramos’ Vilakati and the talented Siyabonga Mkhonto and they will be sweating over their availability for the clash against their bitter rivals. Meanwhile, the Caleb Ngwenya side will be without the influential attacking forward Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala, who dislocated his ankle in the previous match against Pirates, a significant setback for the team. Adding to Swallows’ woes, the pacey winger Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula, who could have made his first appearance in the derby, will be unavailable due to a yellow card suspension, leaving the team without one of their most important weapons in attack.

On paper, Swallows appear to be the favourites for the derby, having won three of their last five matches against Highlanders. However, past performances do not hold much weight in the heat of the derby. Highlanders will be relying on the likes of Philani ‘ Mkasabuli’  Mkhonto, Thabiso Mokenkoane and Fabrice Mopina, both former Swallows players. Meanwhile, Swallows will be pinning their hopes on Ayanda ‘ Gandaganda’Gadlela and Siyabonga ‘ Gusheshe’ Zwane, who have both had lacklustre seasons so far, as well as the trusted midfielder Leon ‘Schuster’ Manyisa.

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