‘Weslians’ eager to ease relegation woes

MBABANE – Manzini Wanderers are determined to settle the score with Madlenya, who have twice humiliated them this season.

The ‘Weslians’ still have nightmares of their shock exit in the Ingwenyama Cup Last 16 rounds and their 2-1 defeat by the Lubombo-based outfit in the league. The Ikabort Masocha’s charges are desperate to avenge these losses and climb up the log standings. The maroon and white outfit are languishing on 12th position with the same amount of points after 16 games.

On the other hand, the William ‘Baggio’ Gamedze’s side are keen on erasing their bad records in this second round, as they seem to have lost their mojo from the first round. They have suffered three successive league defeats to Illovo, Leopard and Mbabane Swallows. They will want to regain their confidence with another upset to Wanderers, after their recent 4-0 hammering by Swallows, while also making up for their Ingwenyama Cup exit last week.

Losing

Despite losing their defensive stalwart Lucky ‘Roadblock’ Gamedze, Madlenya still have some firepower in their ranks. Shot-stopper Dumisane Dlamini, midfielder Gift Gamedze and speedy striker Melusi ‘Vardy’ Thwala could pose a threat to the visitors.

Meanwhile, Wanderers, who also had reports of a training boycott, boast of experience in their camp to brush aside the hosts. They have the promising and talented right-back Ndumiso Dlamini, who is clever at overlapping, the gifted Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule and the prolific striker Banele ‘Banny’ Mdluli to help them put up a good fight.