Mbabane Highlanders vs Tabankulu Celtics
Mkhuzweni Technical Centre, 3.30pm
Highlanders will be eager to end their winless streak and return to their winning ways when they host Tabankulu Celtics at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre.
The capital city giants head into this fixture with ground to make up, as they are placed four positions below the opposition. Five points separate the two sides and the gap could be reduced by two points should things go in their favour at Mkhuzweni.
Their talisman, Msimisi Zwane, has been ever-present in the Highlanders starting line-up and has netted six goals in his appearances.
The game adds extra pressure on coach Ernest Mavuso, who has the unenviable task of inflicting defeat on a tricky side.
They approach the match on a roll, having won six matches and sitting sixth on log standings. In their last match against Ubombo Sugar, they won 3-1 and will be looking to pick up where they left off.
The sugar belt outfit carries the giant-slayers tag after defeating reigning champions Nsingizini Hotspurs, Royal Leopard and struggling Manzini Wanderers.
Heading into this clash, Celtics coach Ncamiso Nxumalo has already warned the capital city giants that they must not expect an easy match.
“We are taking this match seriously; we will give everything we have on Saturday (today).
We remain humble and respect them as a big team, but we stand a chance to get the three points – why not?” he asked rhetorically.
TEAM LINE-UPS
MBABANE HIGHLANDERS
Coach: Ernest Mavuso
Captain: Siphamandla Maseko
Key Players: Ndumiso Mabuza, Siphiwe Cele
Match Winner: Msimisi Zwane
TABANKULU CELTICS
Coach: Ncamiso Nxumalo
Captain: Sakhile Ndlela
Key Players: Phiwokuhle Shabangu, Hector Tshabangu
Match Winner: Malangeni Dlamini
SEO Headline:
Highlanders Host Tabankulu Celtics at Mkhuzweni Seeking Return to Winning Ways
Meta Description:
Highlanders aim to revive their season as they face giant-slayers Tabankulu Celtics at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre in an MTN Premier League clash.
Tags:
Highlanders FC, Tabankulu Celtics, MTN Premier League, Eswatini Football, Match Preview
WhatsApp Summary:
Highlanders return to Mkhuzweni desperate for a win as they face in-form Tabankulu Celtics in a crucial MTN Premier League clash this afternoon.
AMAWELE, AMATHOLE FOR SHOWDOWN
SOCCER
Amawele FC vs Young Buffaloes
Prince of Wales, 1.30pm
In a highly anticipated showdown, Amawele will host Young Buffaloes at Prince of Wales in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter.
Domenic Kunene’s troops appear to have found their winning formula after recording back-to-back wins against log leaders Nsingizini Hotspurs and Manzini Sea Birds respectively, a testament to their strength and consistency.
The key to their success has been their defence, which conceded a single goal in the previous two outings. This solid foundation allowed them to focus on swift transition from defence to attack.
Sitting in seventh position with 20 points, the army side remains one of the strongest challengers for the first-round incentive that carries E120 000.
Meanwhile, the rookies have also proved to be a competitive side and are currently sitting in 13th position with 11 points. They are hard to beat in tough matches and have shown resilience on home turf.
TEAM LINE-UPS
AMAWELE
Coach: Vusizwe Mahlalela
Captain: Hlobisani Maphalala
Key Players: Lindokuhle Dlamini, Njabulo Magongo
Match Winner: Mhlengi Mngomezulu
YOUNG BUFFALOES
Coach: Domenic Kunene
Captain: Siboniso “Gaxa” Ngwenya
Key Players: Sandile “Saviola” Gamedze, Mazwi Sihlongonyane
Match Winner: Owa Matsebula
