Bull, Birds set for derby thriller
TODAY: GREEN MAMBA VS YOUNG BUFFALOES, SOMHLOLO STADUIM, 1:30PM BABANE – While the Mbabane derby garners significant attention from supporters across the country, the security forces derby is another fixture that promises excitement and rivalry.
Today’s Ingwenyama Cup match between defending champions Green Mamba and Young Buffaloes promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams are also strong contenders in the MTN league title race, with only a point separating them.
MTODAY: MBABANE HIGHLANDERS VS MBABANE SWALLOWS AT SOMHLOLO STADIUM, 3:30 PM BABANE - In a highly anticipated match, fireworks are expected when the Mbabane giants clash for the third time this season, in a cup competition today. Mbabane Highlanders and Mbabane Swallows will face off today at the iconic Somhlolo National Stadium. The match is expected to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams vie for a place in the lucrative tournament’s final, with the winner guaranteed E1.4 million. ‘Inkunzi Emnyama’, come into the game with the upper hand over their rivals, having won their last fixture against Umkhonto KaShaka in the same tournament during the 2020 quarter-finals. The team, led by Coach Dumsani ‘DU’ Makhanya, carries the pressure to advance to the final, as they are the only semi-finalists yet to win the tournament.
Swallows, on the other hand, have been in top form, losing only once in the league and consistently scoring goals throughout the tournament. Swallows enter the game with a desire for revenge and aspirations of returning to the African football scene, as the winner of this match will
Msecure a spot in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederation Cup, provided that Young Buffaloes win their match. However, Young Buffaloes are currently facing a suspension from CAF, due to a last-minute cancellation of a previous game. Highlander’s fans are pinning their hopes on attacking midfielder maestro, Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, to deliver a standout performance against his former team. Key players such as Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto, Kenneth Moloto and Emmanuel Owusu are expected to step up and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
On the other hand, the Caleb ‘No Nonsense’ Ngwenya-led team will not be easily defeated, as they are determined to end their five-year trophy drought. To achieve this, they must overcome an unpredictable Highlanders team that has been struggling in the league, drawing their last three matches. The visiting team is expected to come out strong with their potent attacking trio of Ayanda ‘Gandaganda’
HEAD-TO-HEAD; DROUGHT
Mamba 2-2 Buffaloes Buffaloes 1-0 Mamba
Mamba 1-3 Buffaloes Buffaloes 1-1 Mamba Buffaloes 4-1 Mamba
KEY PLAYERS
Green Mamba - Sabelo ‘Sikhali ‘Ndzinisa, Njabulo’ D4D’ Ndlovu, Mthunzi Mkhontfo
Young Buffaloes - Sandile ‘Saviola ‘Gamedze, Ali Matse, Bongwa ‘Logwaja’ Matsebula
The last time these two teams met was at the start of the 2024/2025 season, where they played to a 2-2
Gadlela, Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala and Siyabonga ‘Gusheshe’ Zwane. These players have been instrumental in Swallows’ success and will pose a significant threat to Highlanders’ semifinal aspirations. Shabalala, in particular, will be looking to prove that his previous rocket ball goal against Highlanders’ Khanyakwezwe ‘Beer’ Shabalala was not a fluke by scoring once again.
The match will also showcase the impressive talent both teams possess in the mid- field, where thegame is likely to be decided. Swallows boasts of Sibusiso ‘Niang’ Masuku as their anchorman, while Highlanders rely on Mpendulo Tfomo to protect their defence.
While Highlanders boast a clean bill of health with no reported injuries, Swallows will be without three key players: new signing Albert Nkosana, Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst and Manqoba Vilakati. However, Swallows still possess a talented squad and the match promises to be a thrilling contest with pride, prestige and bragging rights on the line. draw. However, this time, the stakes are higher with a staggering E1.4 million prize up for grabs.
Both teams possess a strong line-up of talented players, who will be eager to secure victory in this high-stakes match. The impressive roster of players on both sides will undoubtedly contribute to an intense and exciting competition, as each team vies for supremacy.
Inyoka Eluhlazane will be looking to retain their title after defeating Mbabane Highlanders 2-0 in the 2020 final. They face a challenging semi-final match against their security forces rivals, a team they have
not been able to defeat in their last six encounters.
Amathole Ezinyathi on the other hand, enters the game with several key players unavailable, including Sboniso ‘Gaxa’ Ngwenya, Mpendulo ‘Mpethar’ Dlamini and Lucky ‘Roadblock’ Gamedze, who is cuptied due to his earlier appearance for Madlenya.
Meanwhile, the Correctional Services side, which has been missing the influential attacking midfielder Njabulo ‘Magwegwe’ Magagula, is back for the game and is expected to make a significant impact on the game. Ernest Mavuso’s team also features key players such as Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, who has scored four goals in the tournament, Njabulo ‘Mazza’ Tfwala and Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu.
These experienced players are accustomed to high-pressure situations and will be instrumental in leading their team to victory. The Mandla ‘Sitofu’ Dlamini’s team boasts of talented players like Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, who has also scored four goals in the tournament and is looking to catch up with the current top scorer, Ezulwini United’s Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini, who has five goals.
Additionally, players like Bongwa ‘Logwaja’ Matsebula, Ali Matse and Bandile ‘Skosh’ Shabangu are just as talented as their opponents, ensuring that the match will be a memorable one with so much at stake.
As both teams battle for a place in the Ingwenyama Cup final, fans can expect a thrilling display of football from both teams.