Peter, Aristote blow, Rio back for ‘Bull’

Madlenya are a closed book to them even though they got the chance to watch them against other rookies Nsingizini Hotspurs on Wednesday afternoon.

Makhanya confirmed that he was going into the match without his regular central defenders in Aristote Tamuzi and senior national team Sihlangu star, Peter Dlamini. The former is out due to injury and has already missed out in the MoMo Cup while the latter is ruled out by the Yellow Card rule.

“Peter has accumulated three yellow cards and has to serve the one match suspension. We still have Aristote, Josef Lekata out and Philani Mkhonto is also among the injured players alongside the recovering ‘Mane’ (Siboniso Lukhele),” he said.

Makhanya’s troops are second on the log table with seven points, three short of leaders Young Buffaloes who play after them at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium today at 3pm.

“The team has been preparing for the match and every player is committed. We know what we have to do and we’re working hard. It’s also true that we have a thin technical bench which needs to be boosted,” Makhanya responded when asked if they were ready to redeem themselves against unpredictable rookies, Madlenya in their next MTN Premier League match and also about his request to have Coach Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini join

Mbabane Highlanders and national team Sihlangu star defender Peter Dlamini.

him.

While Makhanya has injury troubles, he was also pleased to announce that talented midfielder Lindani ‘Rio’ Matsenjwa was available for selection after missing the MoMo Cup semi-finals due to a suspension. He had gotten a red card in the MoMo Cup play-offs finals against Manzini Sea Birds at Mavuso Sports Centre.

It remains to be seen who will come in and join the technical bench with former coach last season Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala tipped to return temporarily while the team’s Managing Director (MD) Chief Ally Kgomongwe takes his time to pick the right candidate to lead the team’s technical bench.