PREMIER LEAGUE OF SWAZILAND

Monday:

Somhlolo National Stadium

(Manzini Wanderers vs RSSC United 8.30pm)

New Manzini Wanderers Malawian coach, Charles Manda already knows what it means to be at the helm of the amron and white giants.

It is no joke. Already, the daggers against the coach have been drawn by a section of the hard to please ‘Weslians supporters whose patience seemingly has run out. Their behaviour in the team’s last fixture against Green Mamba left a lot to be desired. It clearly illustrated the frustration at the hub giants and unfortunately, Manda will be the first to get the stick. That is the nature of the game.

Against RSSC United, the Malawian coach needs to come up with a winning formula. He should know though that the Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini’s charges will not be easy. They too want to make an impression and could capitalise on Wanderers’ uneasiness at this stage to cause a shock.

WANDERERS

Coach: Charles Manda

Captain: Lwazi ‘Shana’ Maziya

Key players: Sicelo ‘Junior’ Simelane, Sandile ‘Theo’ Motsa and Sidumo Shongwe

Match winner: Sifso Matse –Ever running on the flanks, this workaholic striker gives the Manzini giants a new dimension up front with his ability to take on defenders and also hold the ball well. Still raw, as most commentators have noted but Matse’s power play could be the difference against RSSC.

RSSC UNITED

Coach: Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini

Captain: Menzi Mamba

Key players: Vusi Thumabatha, Ncamiso Gina and Ndumiso Dlamini

Match winner: Menzi Mamba – Captain marvel, his team’s game plan is always centred around this crafty midfielder, who likes to ambush the opposition from deep in midfield. A master passer of the ball, he can unlock Wanderers defence that will badly miss injured skipper Lwazi ‘Shana’ Maziya.

Sunday

Mhlume Stadium

(Mbabane Highlanders vs Red Lions 3.30pm)

Mlamuli ‘Sputla’ Zwane and his charges are quietly going about their preparations hoping to slaughter the unsuspecting Mbabane Highlanders on Sunday.

Highlanders are under the guidance of new mentor Ernest Mavuso, while Zwane has been with his lions since their days in the National First Division League. It could work to Highlanders’ disadvantage. The Mbabane giants are however desperate to annex their first maximum points of the season.

HIGHLANDERS

Coach: Ernest Mavuso

Captain: Xolani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze

Key players: Karin Benter, Lungelo Tsabedze and Mphucuko Dlamini

Match winner: – Lungelo Tsabedze – He was badly missed in the opening league defeat against army side Young Buffaloes, as his team lacked creativity. He is the player the team’s technical bench will heavily rely on to make things happen for them..

RED LIONS

Coach: Mlamuli ‘Sputla’ Zwane

Captain: Ricky Siibiya

Key players: Solomon Oladele, Phinda ‘Phindrix’ Dlamini and Sibusiso Mabelesa

Match winner: Senzo Dlamini -  The former Mbabane Swallows’ speedy winger has found a new home at Red Lions and could give the Highlanders’ suspect back four all sorts of problems whenever he is in possession of the ball with his exciting play down the flanks.. 

 (Mbabane Swallows vs Sea Birds 4.30pm)

Mbabane Swallows are uneasy at the prospect of meeting the unpredictable Manzini Sea Birds, who ae on a high after starting their campaign on a flying start.

Swallows were thrashed 1-4 by Royal Leopard, while Sea Birds beat Malanti Chiefs 3-2. It was contrasting starts to the campaign for the teams.

Under the guidance of up and coming coach, Mpnedulo Ngwenya, Sea Birds have no respect for the so called bigger sides and could shame Swallows tomorrow.

The Mbabane giants however

SWALLOWS

Coach: Aaron Mavimbela

Captain: Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze

Key players: Talent Maphosa, Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko and Alois Ngwerume

Match winner: Felix Badenhorst – He is in fine form this marauding midfielder and could give Sea Birds problems. He has regained fitness and is always a threat around the danger area.

SEA BIRDS

Coach: Mpendulo Ngwenya

Captain: Thabo Langa

Key players: Thembinkosi Thwala, Boy Simelane and Jabulani Mabuza

Match winner: Machawe Mtsetfwa – He is the one man Swallows need to close down at all cost if they are to avoid embarrassment.

**

Venomous Mamba to sink fangs on Malanti

Sunday

Mhlume Stadium

(Green Mamba vs Malanti 1.30pm)

Coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati will be in an uncompromising mood when he leads his new charges against his former side.

He could not have asked for a better time than now when Malanti appear to be shaky and jittery. Green Mamba are not expected to encounter problems going past the Texan Phiri led side.

GREEN MAMBA

Coach: Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati

Captain:  Mbuso Gina

Key players: Lawrence Mncina, Sabelo Shilubane and Phumlani Ngwenya

Match winner: Welile Maseko – After being sidelined by injury for a while, Maseko is best doing what he des best for the Correctional Services side. He could single handily destroy Malanti with his lightning pace and efficiency in front of goal.

MALANTI

Coach: Texan Phiri

Captain: Sifiso ‘CJ’ Dlamini

Key players: Dumisani Kunene, Thulani Sibisi and Thembumenzi Mayisela

Match winner: Tebogo Motale – He is back after missing his team’s opening game, this skilful winger who terrorises defenders on he flanks. A fully fit Motale can trouble Green Mamba.