YOUNG BUFFALOES VS GREEN MAMBA 3PM AT KING SOBHUZA II MEMORIAL STADIUM Green Mamba’s moment of truth
MBABANE – It is a do or die encounter.
That is the MTN Premier League clash pitting Young Buffaloes and Green Mamba to be staged in Nhlangano this afternoon.
The stake is high as E1million championship prize is up for taking and the Correctional Services side need three points to smile all the way to the bank.
The Ernest Mavuso-led charges had to wait for three extra days before they lock horns once again with the Mandla ‘Stovu’ Dlamini-coached side. This was after the match had to be called off due to thunderstorm. The game was initially played at Nsukuwansuku Stadium last Saturday and had to be stopped before the resumption of the second half.
The score read 1-all.
Despite that Mamba had an upper hand, having scored first and enjoyed superior ball possession, Buffaloes came back strong and restored parity. What is interesting about derbies is that form does not count. The forces derby is no exception; add the million prize tag and sparks are set to fly.
Victorious
In the first round, the army sides were victorious, winning 3-1. Last season, the second round ended in a 1-all draw, while the reverse fixture score read 4-1 win in favour of the army side.
In short, Green Mamba have failed to beat Buffaloes in the past four league meetings. Surely Green Mamba would want to turn the tables in this very important clash which may see them being uncrowned champions.
If they win, they will have 58 points. This means even if Buffaloes could win their two remaining games, they will finish the league at 57 points.
Players who are likely to decide this clash are former Mbabane Swallows and Highlanders striker Green Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa (now with Green Mamba) who scored during the initial abandoned match.
Winners
Mxolisi Mkhonto is expected to cause problems for the army side. The thing about the current crop of Green Mamba players is that they are all match winners.
There are also the Mkhontfo brothers in Mthunzi and Khethokuhle. Njabulo Tfwala is also another man for the big stage. In the army side, obviously the prolific Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze is expected to cause havoc to the green and white ensemble.
Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba is also another threat and do not rule out Ali Matse and Bongwa ‘Owa’ Matsebula to the equation.
It remains to be seen who will reign supreme, come end of 90 minutes this afternoon.
TEAM DETAILS: Y. BUFFALOES:
G. MAMBA: