Green Mamba vs Nsingizini Hotspurs
Mhlume Stadium, 3pm
SOCCER – NSINGIZINI Hotspurs aim to reclaim the MTN Premier League summit when they travel to Mhlume Stadium to face Green Mamba, knowing only a win will overhaul new leaders Young Buffaloes.
The title contenders are currently level on points with the army side but sit in second place due to the head-to-head rule.
Before the Ingwenyama Cup break, Mandla Qhogi’s men dropped vital points at home in a goalless draw against rookies Tabankulu Celtics. Though their away form has been patchy, Nsingizini are determined to find their rhythm and strike a high note in their title charge.
A midweek friendly win against Zimbabwe’s star-studded Scottland FC has provided a timely morale boost. The green and white outfit have also successfully integrated reinforcements following the departure of four key players. New arrivals Daniel Okunrinmenta, Sandziso Masuku and Senzo ‘Mbhobho’ Ndlovu have all hit the ground running.
Meanwhile, Green Mamba have quietly built winning momentum and are now within touching distance of the top. Following a recent victory over Manzini Sea Birds, only six points separate them from their visitors.
GREEN MAMBA
Coach: Bongani Mhlongo
Captain: Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa
Key Players: Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu, Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze
Match Winner: Bhekani Mthembu
NSINGIZINI HOTSPURS
Coach: Mandla Qhogi
Captain: Meshack Lushaba
Key Players: Quality Dlamini, Sizwe ‘Yeki’ Khumalo
Match Winner: Daniel Okunrinmenta
Leopard eye back-to-back wins
Royal Leopard vs Ezulwini United
Simunye Stadium, 3pm
SOCCER – ROYAL Leopard resume their MTN Premier League campaign today against Ezulwini United at Simunye Stadium, buoyed by recent form.
The encounter follows a comfortable 4-0 demolition of Sisonkhe. That win served as a significant morale booster for the police side, with the technical team working tirelessly to reverse the club’s fortunes after a sluggish start to the season.
Currently ninth with 22 points, Edwin Matsebula’s men are gunning for maximum points against the ‘Stingers’ to climb the table. New signing Hleliso Gamedze is already a fan favourite after scoring on his debut last weekend in the Ingwenyama Cup against Usutfu Liverpool.
Ezulwini United, however, are looking to bounce back from a defeat against Green Mamba. The ‘Stingers’ sit fourth on 26 points, six behind leaders Young Buffaloes, and have bolstered their attack with Congolese forward Pandemoya Tshamwinga.
ROYAL LEOPARD
Coach: Edwin Matsebula
Captain: Muzi ‘ Mzoro’ Dlamini
Key Players: Junior Magagula, Thembisa Shabangu
Match Winner: Felix Badenhorst
EZULWINI UNITED
Coach: Musa Manyatsi
Captain: Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini
Key Players: Siyabonga Magagula, Pandemoya
Celtics await wounded Birds
Tambankulu Celtics vs Mbabane Swallows
Tambankulu Stadium, 3pm
SOCCER – TABANKULU Celtics target a crucial home victory this afternoon as they look to exploit a vulnerable Mbabane Swallows side.
The sugar belt outfit are currently licking their wounds after a shock Ingwenyama Cup exit at the hands of minnows Msumpe Manchester via a penalty shootout. They are expected to come out guns blazing against the capital city giants to redeem themselves.
The rookies have shuffled their technical bench, roping in Humphrey Mlwane. The former Malanti Chiefs gaffer is expected to provide the tactical experience needed to steer the newcomers back to winning ways.
Swallows, meanwhile, will be desperate for a response following a disappointing 0-2 loss against Ubombo Sugar. The ‘Birds’ will be eager to avoid another slip-up, remembering their previous success in this fixture when they emerged victorious at King Sobhuza II Stadium.
TABANKULU CELTICS
Coach: Humphry Mlwane
Captain: Sakhile Ndlela
Key Players: Senzo Mayeyane, Sanele Magwaza
Match Winner: Kwenzokuhle ‘Ndoye’ Khumalo
MBABANE SWALLOWS
Coach: Caleb Ngwenya
Captain: Newman Philiso
Key Players: Njongo Mazibuko, Sizolwethu ‘ Nunu’ Shabalala
Match Winner: Mancoba ‘ Nciba’ Vilakati
Bolova seek revenge at home
Rangers vs Amawele
King Sobhuza II Stadium, 3pm
SOCCER – RANGERS will be smelling blood and seeking revenge when they host Amawele at the King Sobhuza II Stadium.
The rookies claimed Rangers’ scalp in the reverse fixture at Mhlume Stadium, a defeat that appeared to infuriate Mthunzi Ginindza’s charges. Since then, Rangers have gone on a tear, turning their home ground into a ‘slaughterhouse’ to climb to fifth in the standings.
Amawele’s defence must shackling marauding midfielder Thabiso Sithole, who has become a constant thorn in the side of opposition defenders. To counter him, the Shiselweni outfit have added the experience of former Young Buffaloes skipper Sihlangu Mkhwanazi.
The visitors cannot be dismissed; despite a loss to Mbabane Highlanders, they remain dangerous on the road. Mhlengi Mngomezulu is the designated dangerman for the visitors, while Mduduzi ‘Sikhalo’ Nxumalo takes charge in the dugout following Vusizwe Mahlalela’s departure.
RANGERS
Coach: Mthunzi Ginindza
Captain: Thabo Mngometulu
Key Players: Sibonelelo Mhlanga, Sanele Myeni
Match Winner: Thabiso Sithole
AMAWELE
Coach: Mduduzi ‘Sikhalo’ Nxumalo
Captain: Hlobisani Maphanga
Key Players: Mhlengi Mngomezulu, Mbusi Dlamini
Match Winner: Njabulo Magongo
