‘Buffs’, G. Mamba face ‘Weslians’, ‘Birds’
MBABANE – There are tougher times ahead for winless Manzini Wanderers and Mbabane Swallows in the MTN Premier League.
Out of a possible nine points after three matches, Wanderers have zero points as they lost every match and are at the basement of the table. Swallows, on the other hand, have played three draws and have only three points, just another unusual slow start to the season like in the previous one and they sit on ninth position.
Wanderers, fresh from a 2-0 drubbing by Mbabane Highlanders on Wednesday night at Somhlolo National Stadium, will have to work out something to grind a win or avoid defeat when they visit on form and leading Young Buffaloes, who occupy the summit on seven points.
This is the next fixture for the maroon and white side coached by James Kunene, but the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) is yet to confirm the date.
Postponed
Highlanders beat them 3-1 last Sunday in the MoMo Cup semifinals, while the main tournament which was billed for this Sunday has since been postponed, allowing league fixtures to continue.
It is not only Wanderers who are having their struggles in the league but Swallows also desperately need to quickly get out of the winless run and start collecting maximum points.
They were held to a third consecutive draw by Manzini Sea Birds on Wednesday night, which kept them four points behind the leaders, Buffaloes, and three away from Highlanders and Green Mamba.
It is the latter they host on Sunday at the Somhlolo National Stadium. Kick-off is at 3:30pm. The match will be preceded by Highlanders against tricky opposition in Denver Sundowns at 1:30pm.
Green Mamba will be buoyed by their shocking security forces derby win against defending champions Royal Leopard, who have also managed to get a point in two matches. Green Mamba won the derby, courtesy of a brace by former Highlanders’ striker 2023 MTN LOG: and Captain, Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa. Swallows, on the other hand, are searching for a win but it will not come on a silver platter against the Ernest Mavuso-led side that also boast former Swallows midfielder Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu.
In other eye-catching fixtures, Sea Birds will be up against Tambankulu Callies as well as Leopard against Moneni Pirates.