Mbabane Swallows vs Manzini Wanderers
Mavuso Sports Centre, 3:45pm
SOCCER – Mbabane Swallows and Manzini Wanderers will renew their rivalry when they lock horns at Mavuso Sports Centre.
The two teams might be sitting at opposite ends of the MTN Premier League standings, but both hope to restore their dented image.
This match, arguably one of the biggest fixtures on the local calendar, would ordinarily see the two sides battling for a superior position on the log standings, given their stature in the top flight.
However, far from that is the case. While the capital city giants are placed in position 11 with 12 points, Manzini Wanderers lie bottom of the table with just six points and are in serious danger of relegation.
The maroon-and-white outfit head into this match without the services of Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule, who is still nursing an injury. On the other hand, pressure is mounting on Swallows coach Caleb Ngwenya after his side secured a series of league draws.
In fact, the red-and-white outfit last tasted victory early last month against Royal Leopard at the same venue.
Mbabane Swallows
Coach: Caleb Ngwenya
Captain: Philiso Newman
Key Players: Nhlanhla Ngwenya, Sizolwethu Shabalala
Match Winner: Njongo Mazibuko
Manzini Wanderers
Coach: Gcina Dlamini
Captain: Siphamandla Mañana
Key Players: Mario Jamine, Andile Gamedze
Match Winner: Joel Silima
Nsingizini look to stretch lead
Nsingizini Hotspurs vs Young Buffaloes
King Sobhuza II Stadium, 3pm
SOCCER – Nsingizini Hotspurs will be looking to stretch their lead at the top of the MTN Premier League table when they host Young Buffaloes at King Sobhuza II Stadium.
Sitting at the summit with 22 points, the Shiselweni-based outfit are hunting for their second successive league title and would love nothing more than to extend their advantage this afternoon.
A resounding win at their fortress would also send a warning to the rest of the clubs to expect no mercy.
Mandla Qhogi’s men welcome a Young Buffaloes side that does not have fond memories of King Sobhuza II Stadium, having lost 2–0 there in the second leg last season.
Heading into this clash, the reigning champions are in high spirits after ending Ezulwini United’s nine-match unbeaten run in the league midweek.
Captain Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini has also scooped the November Player of the Month award, a major E7 000 financial boost for the box-to-box midfielder.
Standing in their way this afternoon is a Young Buffaloes side that is still struggling to find consistency. It has been a back-foot start for Dominic Kunene’s troops, who remain winless in their past two matches.
The reality is that the army side will wear the underdog tag against the marauding Nsingizini, but they can pose a danger.
Nsingizini Hotspurs
Coach: Mandla Qhogi
Captain: Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini
Key Players: Joel Madondo, Sizwe ‘Yeki’ Khumalo
Match Winner: Quality Dlamini
Young Buffaloes
Coach: Dominic Kunene
Captain: Siboniso ‘Gaxa’ Ngwenya
Key Players: Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, Innocent ‘Makhehleni’ Dlamini
Match Winner: Owa Matsebula
Leopard, Bull for fierce battle
Royal Leopard vs Mbabane Highlanders
Mkhuzweni Technical Centre, 3pm
SOCCER – The stage is set for a pivotal clash between Royal Leopard and Mbabane Highlanders in a match anticipated to be filled with intensity.
Fans eagerly await what promises to be a fiery encounter as both teams seek to reassert their dominance on the field.
Currently sitting in position 13 with 10 points, the police outfit will be eager to collect points in front of their home crowd to help them move out of the danger zone.
After a shaky start, they are slowly regaining confidence.
They come into this match following a 2–all draw against rivals Green Mamba and are determined to put in another strong display against the capital city giants.
Coach Edwin Matsebula will rely on the scoring prowess of Thembisa Shabangu to hurt the opposition.
The lanky striker has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, with his movement in and around the box making him difficult to mark.
On the other hand, Mbabane Highlanders sit in position eight with 13 points.
Following a disappointing midweek draw against Ubombo Sugar, the team is eager to recover and showcase its resilience.
Their talisman, Msimisi Zwane, is a strong and physical striker who can hold up the ball and bring others into play.
The former Ezulwini United striker has already scored five goals. They also have skilful winger Siphiwe Cele, who can stretch the opposition defence and create space for others.
Royal Leopard
Coach: Edwin Matsebula
Captain: Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini
Key Players: Lungelo Tsabedze, Junior Magagula
Match Winner: Thembisa Shabangu
Mbabane Highlanders
Coach: Ernest Mavuso
Captain: Siphamandla Maseko
Key Players: Ayanda ‘Shoes’ Mabuza, Siphiwe Cele
Match Winner: Msimisi Zwane
MTN Premier League Log
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nsingizini | 10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 3 | +8 | 22 |
| 2 | Sea Birds | 10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 17 | 11 | +6 | 19 |
| 3 | Ezulwini | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 9 | +3 | 19 |
| 4 | Rangers FC | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 15 | 9 | +6 | 18 |
| 5 | Green Mamba | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 8 | +4 | 18 |
| 6 | T. Celtics | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 19 | 11 | +8 | 18 |
| 7 | Buffaloes | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 8 | +4 | 14 |
| 8 | Highlanders | 10 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 9 | +1 | 13 |
| 9 | Malanti | 10 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 7 | 6 | +1 | 12 |
| 10 | Swallows | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 11 | 13 | -2 | 12 |
| 11 | Pirates | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 11 |
| 12 | Amawele | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 11 | -1 | 11 |
| 13 | Leopard | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 11 | -2 | 10 |
| 14 | Ubombo | 10 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 15 | -9 | 8 |
| 15 | Wanderers | 10 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 19 | -10 | 6 |
| 16 | Sisonkhe | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 21 | -12 | 6 |
