MBABANE – Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize’s Mbabane Highlanders AM face their sternest MTN Premier League test yet when they meet Royal Leopard at Mayaluka Stadium on Saturday.
The eagerly anticipated encounter pitches the glamour and ambition of Mkhize’s Highlanders against the disciplined police side, with both clubs carrying unbeaten league records into the showdown.
Highlanders opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Green Mamba before announcing themselves in emphatic fashion last weekend, sweeping aside Chief Ally Kgomongwe’s Amawele 4-1.
Floyd ‘Mourinho’ Mogale’s charges will now face a Leopard side that has also made an encouraging start. The police side were held to a 3-3 draw by Manzini Sea Birds in their opener before responding with a 3-1 victory over Ezulwini United.
That makes Saturday’s clash an intriguing early-season examination, with Highlanders’ attacking momentum set against Leopard’s growing confidence.
For Mbabane Swallows, the focus will be on getting their campaign moving when they host Madlenya at Killarney Sports Ground in Pigg’s Peak.
The Birds suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ubombo Sugar in their opening league fixture, leaving them searching for a response in their next outing.
Defending champions Nsingizini Hotspurs, meanwhile, will look to maintain their upward trajectory when they visit Ezulwini United at Mavuso Sports Centre.
Nsingizini endured a difficult start, losing 1-0 to Moneni Pirates, but bounced back by edging Sea Birds 1-0 last weekend.
Amawele will also be desperate to arrest their slide after successive defeats. Kgomongwe’s side began with a 3-0 loss to Ezulwini United before Highlanders compounded their misery with a 4-1 victory.
The remaining Matchweek Three fixtures promise another busy weekend as the early-season race begins to take shape.
FIXTURES
Friday
Tabankulu Stadium
Celtics vs Amawele 3.30pm
Saturday
Mayaluka Stadium
Mbabane Highlanders AM vs Royal Leopard 3.30pm
Mavuso Sports Centre
Ezulwini United vs Nsingizini Hotspurs 2pm
Mavuso Sports Centre
Moneni Pirates vs Ubombo Sugar 4.15pm
Simunye Stadium
Manzini Sea Birds vs Young Buffaloes 3pm
King Sobhuza II Stadium
Rangers vs Red Rhinos 3pm
Killarney Sports Ground
Mbabane Swallows vs Madlenya 1pm
Killarney Sports Ground
PPK Professionals vs Green Mamba 3.15pm
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