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‘Itak’seta mo’ with these stars

04/08/2013 04:33:00 BY CHRIS DLAMINI

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The stage is now set for the last phase of this year’s Swazi Telecom Charity Cup which is the semis and final on August 11, next Sunday at the Somhlolo National Stadium.

It is now down to four teams after the elimination of Moneni Pirates by Mbabane Swallows (0-2) and Manzini Wanderers by Royal Leopard (1-0). Next Sunday, it will be Leopard vs Green Mamba before the crunch match between Swallows and Young Buffaloes. As we count down days to the games, below some of the stars expected to provide the spark are highlighted as well as the coaches behind them.

Also worth mentioning is that South African gospel artist Lundi Tyamara returns to thrill the fans due to popular demand. Enjoy the read as Itak’seta Mo!

Leopard vs Green Mamba (1st semi-final)

The Stars To Watch:

Zweli ‘Mlilo’ Nxumalo (Leopard) vs. Njabulo Tfwala (G. Mamba)

His nickname ‘Mlilo’ simply describes the quality and class he is as a player – that is Leopard’s attacking midfielder Zweli ‘Mlilo’ Nxumalo. He is the reason that the police side Leopard scrapped through to the semis as he scored a brilliant goal to give his side a 1-0 victory in the replayed match on Thursday night. Going to this forces’ teams’ derby, Mlilo will once again be in the spotlight as much will be expected from the Sihlangu star.

It is his great ball control, passing and scoring from any range that has made him a star and a key figure for Leopard. On the other hand, Green Mamba are certainly not regretting signing former Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows’ attacking midfielder Njabulo Tfwala. The boy was in top form last season and is expected to start where he ended next Sunday. He has amazing talent to confuse the opposition with football trickery and slippery when surging forward. Watch out for these two stars as they could decide the game.

The Coaches

Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane (Leopard) vs. Gcina ‘Magiyane’ Dlamini (G. Mamba)

One thing is certain here – Leopard’s coach is pretty much inexperienced when compared to Green Mamba’s Magiyane. Already, Leopard are taking the underdog tag here despite equal strength in terms of player quality. Can Nuro stand up to his fellow coaching colleague and stun him as he did the much respected South African coach Kenny Ndlazi of Manzini Wanderers? Anything is possible but Magiyane is one coach who has been there, done that and will not want to lose this game for anything. One to watch as Itak’seta mo!

SWALLOWS vs BUFFALOES (2ND semi-final)

The Stars To Watch:

Mike Mohammed (Swallows) vs. Ndoda Mthethwa (Buffaloes)

It was by no fluke that Mike was named Man of the Match last Sunday when they knocked out Moneni Pirates 2-0, scoring the second goal of the match. He also assisted in the first goal after a very good second half performance that brought his team back to life, even springing captain Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze into action.

Tsabedze opened the scoring after Mike’s assist on the right wing. He is a clever player with brilliant footwork and always ready to take on defenders. On the other hand, Buffaloes are set to present the Swallows’ defence with the speedy Ndoda Mthethwa upfront together with Sidumo ‘Stiga’ Dlamini, all proven goal poachers. Ndoda has played against Swallows in a knockout situation and knows that it is all about taking your chances. It is for that reason that he will be expected to convert the chances to come his way. Looks set to be a great game of football!

The Coaches

Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe (Swallows) vs. Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati (Buffaloes)

This is an interesting one indeed – the two coaches square up against the other and will certainly not want to lose to the other. Koki lost once in the Ultimate Home Cup final but will want to turn things around this time. These are also coaches who walk into the same place of employment on a daily basis at the Swazi Telecom and this draw must be having the staff talking. So there could be more at stake here than just the silverware – the bragging rights in the office.