It’s swim or drown for Wanderers
It was the same story last season for Manzini Wanderers as they got out of the relegation cesspit with just about five matches to go after they beat Madlenya to ease their woes.
Veteran coach Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe was roped in just in the nick of time to save the maroon and white hub fallen giant side.
They beat a resilient Madlenya 2-1 at Mavuso Sports Centre to move out of the zone but still needed more points, or if not, their fellow relegation candidates had to drop the same.
They met Young Buffaloes soon after that win, which saw their fans celebrate it and appreciate Nyanga for it.
They survived in the end on 27 points, finishing just a point below Sea Birds, who they meet this afternoon in a life and l tie.
Fast forward to the current season, Wanderers
are just in the same position as they are now more than ever in their struggles, and have a tough task looking at their remaining fixtures.
Sea Birds are not entirely safe yet, but a win may certainly be all they need.
For Wanderers, winning is a must today, or this could be it - their first relegation ever in what would be a blow for the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) in terms of revenue.
Wanderers, amid their struggles, are a big team with a big following. At this stage, five games remain, and to be second from the bottom is not good at all.
The worst part is that Wanderers are in it with fellow hub derby rivals in basement side Denver Sundowns and Moneni Pirates who managed a win last Saturday to move from the basement to third from bottom.
Wanderers or Liweseli as they are also affectionately known, are two points better than Sundowns and level with Pirates who are also just a point below Ezulwini United it’s a fierce survival battle at the bottom for even more than just these four teams.
So, with five games to go, a win for Wanderers certainly brings relief as they will be on 20 points and off the relegation zone as the last two teams at the bottom of the standings get relegated at the end of the season.
Sea Birds will not make it easy, and they have the squad and experience to frustrate the hub side as they look to stare clear of relegation as well.
It was a goalless game in the reverse fixture, but this time, only a win is essential, mainly for Nyanga’s side.
Xolani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze (Manzini Wanderers) - He has teamed up with his former Mbabane Highlanders teammate a few seasons ago, Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule who has been an important player for the maroon and white hub giants, playing a huge role in their survival last season with crucial goals in the final games of the season. Wanderers need that more from him and Papi now.
Mthokozisi Gwebu (Sea Birds) - He is one of the deadliest finishers for Sea Birds alongside his skilful Captain and winger Muzi Tsabedze. Together, they carry Sea Birds’ hopes against the struggling but mustwin Weslians.