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‘Buffs Hunt high-flying ‘ Birds’

11/08/2013 02:11:00 BY ASHMOND NZIMA

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FIXTURE:    Young Buffaloes vs Mbabane Swallows
VENUE:     Somhlolo National Stadium
TIME:     11:30am

The stage has been set for what promises to be an epic encounter between the two sides. Young Buffaloes come to the clash dangling underdog name tags but they will be nursing hopes of ending their jinx over the capital city giants. It is an open secret that the unstoppable red and white ensemble have an upper hand on paper.

Buffaloes coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati will unleash the best ‘soldiers’ from his arsenal to do battle on the day. His charges look like they are no match for the star-studded Swallows but they have the character to cause the biggest upset of the tournament.

The likes of skipper Nkosingiphile ‘Nyandoro’ Tsabedze and slim-built defender Samkelo ‘Rio’ Lushaba will have a hard time to keep the pair of Mike Mohammed and Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze at bay. Buffaloes supporters will look to the promising trio of Wandile ‘Skosh’ Shabangu, Ndoda Mthethwa and Mpendulo ‘Biano’ Kunene to record an unexpected win over Swallows.

The latter are hungry for glory after winning the prestigious tournament only once in 2004. Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe’s men would also want to prove that their treble in the past season was no fluke.
With so many stars that include the trusted quartet of Mohammed, Darren Chri-stie, Felix Badenhorst and Njabulo Ndlovu at their disposal, they resemble a well oiled machine. They would have themselves to blame if they fail to add the glittering trophy to their trophy cabinet.

SWALLOWS

Coach - Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe Captain - Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze
Key Players - Mike Mohammed, Darren Christie, Felix Badenhorst
One to watch - Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze-The pint-sized midfielder needs no introduction. He is the player of the moment, as he brings a totally new dimension to the game with his amazing left foot.

BUFFALOES

Coach - Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati Captain - Nkosingiphile ‘Nyandoro’ Tsabedze
Key Players - Sifiso ‘Bhiya’ Mazibuko, Ndoda Mthethwa, Mpendulo ‘Biano’ Kunene
One to watch - Timothy ‘Timo’ Mathonsi- The speedy winger will look to maintain the form that saw him earning a regular place in hard-to-please coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati’s starting line-up in the past season.