It’s ‘kill or be killed’ for Buffaloes
Y. BUFFALOES VS ROYAL LEOPARD AT NSUKUWANSUKU STADIUM, 3PM
EZULWINI – Yet another make or break derby clash between the two security forces teams. Army side Young Buffaloes cannot afford any slip-up at this stage if the title glory is something they can manage for the second time in their elite history. The team’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sandile Gwebu declared on Friday that they were off to Africa, come rain or sunshine. However, will it be as champions or runners-up? Either way, they must get the maximum points today against police outfit Royal Leopard or stand to miss out on everything.
The gap between them and Swallows is just three points, while leaders Green Mamba are two points ahead of the army side. Buffaloes are unbeaten since last season’s second round, while the same cannot be said for Leopard, who by their standards underperformed.
FATGUE
They probably suffered from fatigue having been in the CAF competitions, first the Champions League then dropped to the Confederation Cup, which meant more matches and travelling than their domestic rivals, it happens as witnessed with Liverpool in England after coming about two matches short of a quadruple last season but now on position eight.
Sparks are set to fly here as these two, like Swallows and Highlanders, have more than just the points at stake but the
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Buffaloes - Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, Ali Matse, Njabulo Maziya, Siboniso Mamba.
Leopard - Thabiso Mokenkoane, Junior Magagula, Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini, Sifiso Matse.
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
2022/23 first round
January 4, 2023:
Leopard 2-3 Buffaloes
2021/22 season
July 31, 2021
Leopard 1-1 Buffaloes
February 10, 2022
Buffaloes 1-3 Leopard
2020/21 season
May 19, 2021
Leopard 1-1 Buffaloes
July 31, 2021
Buffaloes 1-1 Leopard
bragging rights too. They all have quality players, who dominate the senior national team Sihlangu and today all the cream will be facing each other. They come to the derby with Buffaloes having won 2-1 against Tambuti, while Leopard were held by Manzini Wanderers to a goalless draw.