… Phocweni lose, Way Inn turn the tables

MALKERNS – It was a weekend of derby matches in the Dixie’s International E40 000 League under the Manzini Regional Pool Association (MRPA).

Army teams Phocweni and Garrison had a face-off at the latter’s backyard, while youthful Malkerns hosted seasoned Way Inn in a Malkerns derby last Saturday afternoon. Interesting tie it was, as Phocweni had a bad first round and lost the reverse fixture to their army rivals.

Way Inn on the other hand, were recently booted out of the Dixie’s International E10 000 Knockout 2022 by Malkerns, who are becoming a thorn in their lives.

They train together with the youthful team in Malkerns, so it is always a tricky situation for the star-studded Way Inn to play them. This time around, the likes of national team star Zweli ‘Siziba’ Dlamini, veterans Nathi Hleta and Jairus Mhlanga came better prepared and determined to win the tie. It was not a stroll though, as the two sides would tie at some point before Way Inn settled the match with

Sithembiso Shongwe (SNG Grant Thornton)

“We are a company that has always been there for athletics, as we have incentivised athletes who performed well internationally. Our relationships with Athletics Eswatini has come a long way. We encourage excellence and now we are contributing T-shirts worth about E12 000 to the championships.”

Boy Magagula (Eco Water)

“We are happy that we got the invitation from Athletics Eswatini and we will be honouring it. We are going to assist the event with our different types of water that we have improved, including still water, sparkling water and others. We will provide a package worth about E3 200 or about 824 water bottles.

Magnum Mahlalela (ENPF)

“We are happy to be part of the athletics development in the country, as we have been doing so with the Imbumbe Marathon that contributed even to the tourism sector. Sports unite people and we are going to assist with the trophy and medals branding worth about E5 000.”

Thandokuhle Dlamini (Swazi Coolers)

‘‘As a local company we are happy to be part of the big day in athletics. As the MD of Swazi Coolers, my mother was an athlete and their relationship with my father started in athletics. I’m part of the athletics family too and that is why we are also giving assistance in the development of the sport and we are going to give out refresher water to the value of about E2 000.’’

MRPA/DIXIE’S FIXTURES:

Saturday

Kick-off time: 2pm

Bhunya vs Garrison Malkerns vs Stairs Ntontozi vs Way Inn Manzini Masters vs REPS Sunday Kick-off time: 1pm

Cor. Services vs Manzini Pool Club vs

Figaredo vs

Ludzeludze II Phocweni Ludzeludze 1

a 13-10 margin.

For Phocweni who had registered new players including Scara Mndzebele and Kwazi ‘Ntofo’ Masuku, they were again beaten by Garrison. The score margin was 13-11.

“Had the MRPA office not let me down with the registration of my players, I was determined to win this match and start the second round with a strong statement that we’re here to work,” Phocweni’s Tornado Dlamini said.

He said the office of the MRPA could not process his latest additions last Friday, but looked forward to having every player available in the next match. They play a tough Manzini Pool Club on Sunday at 1pm.