‘Bull’ in tricky ‘must-win’ at Madlenya
MBABANE – With 10 games left to play this season, every match is becoming all-important now and a must-win.
This applies to the title challengers, those in the middle of the table pushing for the top four or respectable positions in the top eight and the bottom loggers fighting for survival in the MTN Premier League.
The bottom two teams on the final standings will get relegated to the MTN National First Division (NFD) League, while there will only be one champion and one runner-up.
Hard-fought
Highlanders managed a win in the first round match against the rookies, beating them 2-1 in what was a hardfought victory under coach Dumisani ‘DU’ Makhanya who is now with South African Solly Luvhengo, the latter appointed recently as the head coach.
The black and white capital city giants will be looking to extend their five-match unbeaten run including three wins and two draws.
Madlenya have proven they can play and stand their
Sethu Ngcamphalala, Lucky
Gift Gamedze – Madlenya
Philani Mkhonto, Mpendulo Tfomo, Tony ‘Ben 10’ Machacha – Highlanders
R. Leopard Highlanders
Highlanders
Win
Gamedze,
Madlenya S. Dreams
Madlenya ground against the experienced sides, which explains why they were for prolonged periods of the first round within the top eight. It is only their latest results that have not favoured them as they have lost three in a row and now host a competing Highlanders who have an ambition to play the TOTALEnergies CAF Champions League next year.
However, Highlanders, who were third yesterday before fourthplaced Mbabane Swallows, took on rookies Seven Dreams later in the afternoon need to win this match if they hope to keep up with the leaders Green Mamba and second-placed Young Buffaloes and also probably reclaim the third spot on head-to-head advantage.
They are currently six and five points behind Green Mamba and Buffaloes, while Swallows went three clear of them after outfoxing Seven Dreams yesterday – the latter were drubbed 2-0 last week by Highlanders. It will be no stroll in the park for Highlanders, as Madlenya also want to regain their winning ways and improve their standing after losing the last three matches, excluding the abandoned clash with Manzini Sea Birds in which they were leading 2-0.
They are now perched on the ninth spot with 19 points. Highlanders won the reverse fixture
1-0.
Mbabane Highlanders attacking midfielder
Philani Mkhontfo. (R) Manzini Wanderers midfielder Sibonginkhosi Dlamini.