Ezulwini United vs Nsingizini
Mhlume Stadium, 3pm
SOCCER – THE stage is set for a blockbuster encounter as Ezulwini United host Nsingizini Hotspurs in a top-of-the-table clash today. The two teams are neck and neck in the standings, on 19 points with Nsingizini on top on goal difference.
The ‘Stingers’, however, have an impressive run and remain undefeated in the league. This will be another tough test for the host as they take on the defending champions. Surely, they will not want to succumb to their first defeat at home.
Ghanaian international Alvin Shabashe has hit his form, scoring a brace the past weekend against Rangers. His influence will be key today against his former club.
Coach Musa Manyatsi has always emphasised that his troops will continue to improve and work as a unit.
Meanwhile, Nsingizini Hotspurs travels have not been that much impressive having lost against rookies Tambankulu Celtics while a trip to Mkhuzweni on Saturday yielded a single point.
Teams:
Ezulwini United
Coach: Musa Manyatsi
Captain: Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini
Key Players: Kwenzokuhle Khumalo, Siyabonga Magagula
Match Winner: Alvin Shabashe
Nsingizini Hotspurs
Coach: Mandla Qhogi
Captain: Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini
Key Players: Ayanda Gadlela, Kwakhe Thwala
Match Winner: Thubelihle Mavuso
G.Mamba, Leopard in crunch security forces derby
Green Mamba vs Royal Leopard
Ka-Langa Technical Centre, 3pm
SOCCER – GREEN Mamba and Royal Leopard will face-off in a crunchy security forces derby in the MTN Premier League at Ka-Langa Technical Centre today.
There has never been a dull moment whenever the two rivals meet. In their last meeting in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup this year, Green Mamba knocked out their rivals with a 2-1 scoreline. However, in last season’s league second round, Royal Leopard recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory.
While Green Mamba are looking to keep pressure on the log leaders, Leopard seek to regain supporter trust following an inconsistent campaign. They have yet to record back-to-back wins this season.
Lanky striker Thembisa Shabangu comes into this fixture in impressive form having recently bagged a brace against Ubombo Sugar.
Meanwhile, Green Mamba are on the hunt for first-round incentive points. Seasoned midfielder Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu scored in their last outing and will aim to maintain momentum.
Teams:
Green Mamba
Coach: Bongani Mhlongo
Captain: Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa
Key Players: Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu
Match Winner: Bhekani Mthembu
Royal Leopard
Coach: Edwin Matsebula
Captain: Junior Magagula
Key Players: Lungelo Tsabedze, Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini
Match Winner: Thembisa Shabangu
Birds, Buffs set for epic clash
Young Buffaloes vs Mbabane Swallows
Mayaluka Stadium, 3pm
SOCCER – MBABANE Swallows and Young Buffaloes are set for an epic clash when they face off at Mayaluka Stadium this afternoon. Both sides are searching for redemption after defeats last weekend.
Swallows have gone six matches without victory, with their confidence further dented by a 0-1 loss to Moneni Pirates. The capital city giants will look to change fortunes on the road.
However, Buffaloes equally need points as their own campaign has also been hampered by inconsistency. Coach Domenic Kunene’s side will look to use home advantage and reset their mission.
Teams:
Young Buffaloes
Coach: Domenic Kunene
Captain: Siboniso ‘Gaxa’ Ngwenya
Key Players: Mpendulo Dlamini, Leon Manyisa
Match Winner: Owa Matsebula
Mbabane Swallows
Coach: Caleb Ngwenya
Captain: Philiso Newman
Key Players: Sizolwethu Shabalala, Ncomo Gina
Match Winner: Njongo Mazibuko
Bull seek back-to-back wins
Highlanders vs Ubombo Sugar
Mavuso Sports Centre, 5:45pm
SOCCER – MBABANE Highlanders aim to secure back-to-back wins when they host Ubombo Sugar this evening.
They head into the fixture highly motivated after a 2-1 win against Young Buffaloes last weekend. Forward Msimisi Zwane scored twice to break their five-game drought, and will once again be the main attacking hope alongside winger Siphiwe Cele.
A win will elevate Highlanders to 15 points.
However, Ubombo Sugar remain a difficult opponent and will look to respond following defeat to Manzini Sea Birds. Coach Milton Dlamini will be up against his former employers after taking over recently.
Fans are expected to witness a fiercely contested fixture.
Teams:
Mbabane Highlanders
Coach: Ernest Mavuso
Captain: Siphamandla Maseko
Key Players: Siyabonga Mkhonto, Siphiwe Cele
Match Winner: Msimisi Zwane
Ubombo Sugar
Coach: Milton Dlamini
Captain: Simphiwe Ginindza
Key Players: Gcina Matsebula, Sizwe Maziya
Match Winner: Njabulo Dlamini
