PLAYERS TO WATCH:
They have both recorded important wins already to boost their confidence, Callies edging faltering Manzini Wanderers 1-0, while Pirates stunned a star-studded Mbabane Highlanders with the same margin.
Pirates are fresh from their short-lived joy in the inaugural MoMo Cup 2022 Finals at Somhlolo National Stadium last Sunday – they again saw out Highlanders in a semi-final penalty shootout before elite rookies Nsingizini Hotspurs beat them 2-1 in
Mazwi Sihlongonyane (T. Callies) Sibonelo Simelane (M. Pirates)
the finals.
The home side, Callies or BoBhejane as they are also fondly known, have lost twice already to second-placed Mbabane Highlanders who play rookies Madlenya today and to leaders Young Buffaloes.
The latter take on rookies and MoMo Cup champions Nsingizini Hotspurs this afternoon in one of the highlight fixtures of the weekend.
Back to Callies, they were able to get a point against a tough Manzini Sea Birds in their last match a fortnight ago and being in their own backyard, they will be aiming at nothing but the maximum points.
Maximum
After all, Callies collected most of their maximum points here last season including against big guns. The Moneni ‘Sea Robbers’ know that they have a mammoth task here and will remember that this is the very opposition that completed a double on them last season.
When Pirates visited this venue last season on November 13, 2021, Callies drubbed them 1-0 before winning 2-1 away on March 5, this year. Pirates’ last league outing was against rookies Seven Dreams and they were held to a 1-all draw.
Both sides need the win here which makes up for an interesting tie, especially after Pirates survived relegation while Callies managed a maiden fifth spot finish.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Sandile
Dreams)
Felix Badenhorst (M. Swallows) ‘Mshina’
Dlamini (S.
Tambankulu Callies winger Mazwi ‘Zwide’ Sihlongonyane.
run by two men of God in Bishop Bhekibandla Vilakati of the Jericho sect (Seven Dreams) and Swallows have Archbishop Bheki Lukhele. It remains to be seen who will have the last laugh after the 90 or so minutes of play.