Players to light up Mbabane derby

2023-04-17 - B< M(1*AM(/I MAB8=A

MBABANE – The biggest weekend in the Eswatini football calendar is upon us.

The Mbabane derby between Mbabane Swallows and Mbabane +ighlanders will take centre stage this weekend. Both teams have a dedicated and passionate fan base that adds to the intensity of the match, creating an electric atmosphere in the stadium and the game is a must-win for both teams, who are pushing for a podium finish or better. The Times Sports 'esk zooms in on the players who could stand out in the league’s most anticipated fixture.

FELIX BADENHORST

3erhaps the most talked about player ahead of this clash. All eyes will be on the lanky former (swatini international, who is the frontrunner for the MT1 3remier /eague top goalscorer award with goals in league matches. +e will be eyeing another strike against a +ighlanders side they lost to in 'ecember, in a game that saw ugly scenes.

NELISWA ‘TIGER’ DLAMINI

attacking midfielder will be playing his first derby, together with; Kwakhe Thwala, 1ewman 3hiliswa. µTiger’, fondly known has been able to hit the ground running for the Caleb led chargers. Caleb has used the exciting player in various positions from a box to box midfielder, playing as a number and in Swallows’ empathic win over Madlenya, the national team player was playing on the flanks. The midfielder has quickly established himself as one of the key players in the Mbabane Swallows set-up, and is a tireless presence in the engine room.

NEWMAN PHILISWA

The diminutive full-back is one of the most influential light -backs in the 3remier /eague and he has been playing some of his best football in the last few weeks. +is blistering pace, energy and crossing ability make him a threat whenever he pushes forward, as he benefits from Swallows’ current style of play, which encourages full-backs to overlap and make an impact in the opposition half. The former /udzeludze Killers defender will view the derby as the perfect platform for him to try and catch the eye of Sihlangu head coach 'ominic Kunene by playing a vital role in helping his side get maximum points.

AYANDA GADLELA

The former Tambuti midfielder has been one of Swallows’ best attackers in the last few matches - creating chances and scoring goals for 8mkhonto KaShaka. 3ossessing good technical abilities in terms of passing and dribbling, *adlela, who is one of the most underrated players is able to cause havoc to the opposing defences.

KWAKHE THWALA

The move to Swallows has seen the emergency of Kwakhe as a reliable defensive midfielder for Swallows. A defender by trade. The former

FABRICE MOPINA

The +ighlanders striker possesses the qualities which can unsettle the Swallows defence. +e is a player who loves a physical battle with opposing defenders due to his imposing physique. +is ability to hold-up play with his back to goal, to turn and shoot at goal or play a pass to his teammate, makes him unpredictable. Mopina has failed to score in his last six games for +ighlanders, but he has showed the hunger to score against Manzini Sea Birds, which makes him even more dangerous coming into the game. Mopina will be playing his first derby as well, but he is used to pressure after playing matches against Swallows numerous times in the MT1 3remier /eague.

PHILANI MKHONTO

After a sharp dip in form in the middle of the season due to many injuries, the exciting midfielder has emerged and has shown more than just glimpses of the form that made him one of the best players in the +ighlanders set-up. The former +awane Shooting Stars player gives Solly /uvhengo many options in the +ighlanders’ last third.

MUSA DLAMINI

The veteran attacker has a knack of getting himself in good scoring positions, but he has been let down by his poor finishing at times since he joined Mbabane +ighlanders at the start of the season. +owever, 'lamini has produced some improved performances in the past games, having netted a fortnight ago in his side’s impressive - win over 'enver Sundowns. The former *reen Mamba player is used to the big occasion and if he can be able to link up well with players like Kenneth Moloto, 3hilani Mkhontfo and Tony µBen ’ Machacha, +ighlanders can do a double over their traditional rivals.

TSWARELO BERENG

The Mbabane +ighlanders box-tobox midfielder has not settled quite well so far in the +ighlanders team and when given a chance to play he has shown that he is one of the important players in the +ighlanders star-studded midfield, which has many good players. The /esotho international had a great game in the last derby in 'ecember. +e comes to the weekend game full of confidence after scoring in his side’s - win over Sea Birds in a game that played on Saturday at Mayaluka Stadium.

KENNETH MOLOTO

Will he rise to the occasion" Swallows will have to watch him closely ± he is arguably one of the most talented players at +ighlanders. The Inkunzi (mnyama South Africa-born left winger is one player who will be +ighlanders’ secret weapon, come match day. Mashaba, as he is fondly known in the +ighlanders corridors, has shown great qualities for his side and he will be confident coming into the game.