‘Bull’ out for revenge
TODAY: MBABANE HIGHLANDERS VS ILLOVO AT KING SOBHUZA II MEMORIAL STADIUM, 3:30PM MBABANE - Inkunzi Emnyama is looking at returning to winning ways at the expense of MTN Premier League returnees Illovo, when the two sides meet later today, at the iconic King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium.
The Dumsani ‘DU’ Makhanya-coached outfit will be in a revengeful mood after the Lubombo-based side shocked them with a 1-0 scoreline in the first round, which was played on October 10 last year at the Mayaluka Stadium.
The two elite league teams are also aiming to get maximum points from this unpredictable match, as they both dropped points in their previous outings. The ‘Bull’ put brakes on Royal Leopard in the Week 17 round of fixtures, as they played to a 1-all draw, denying the police side to extend their lead at the summit of the log by two points from Young Buffaloes.
Illovo, on the other hand, played to a goalless draw with relegation-threatened Ezulwini United, which denied them the chance to tie with regional rivals Madlenya and Shiselweni-based Nsingizini Hotspurs at 25 points.
The black and white capital city giants gaffer, Makhanya, will bank his hopes on Skipper Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto and the rejuvenated Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze for the three points, while the likes of the overlapping Delisa Gama, will provide the necessary crosses for the strikers led by Kwadwo Frimpong. It will not be a stroll in the park for Highlanders, as the Zwelibanzi ‘Botsotso’ Khoza ensemble is capable of slaying local football giants, as they had beaten the likes of defending champions Green Mamba and Manzini Wanderers this campaign.
He has, at his disposal capable players to complete a double or steal a point from the ‘Bull’. They include the likes of Njabulo Dlamini, who scored a brace in his first game after joining from Nsingizini Hotspurs. The experience of national team Sihlangu defender Samkeliso Ginindza and former Mbabane Swallows Siboniso Ndzabandzaba will help Illovo to shut the back door.