Times Of Swaziland: SA AMAZULU FACE ‘WESLIANS’, ‘BIRDS’

SA AMAZULU FACE ‘WESLIANS’, ‘BIRDS’
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BY ASHMOND NZIMA on 01/03/2019 03:43:00


MBABANE – Heavyweights Mbabane Swallows and Manzini Wanderers will test their
resolve against South Africa’s Absa Premiership side Amazulu.
The Kwazulu-Natal-based South Africa’s top-tier side will play back-to-back
international friendly matches against Wanderers and Swallows at Mavuso Sports
Centre between March 22 and 24, which will be the FIFA week.
It was reliably gathered that they would be bringing their full squad for the
games except players who will be away on international duty, especially the
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers. Notable players in Amazulu squad include the
duo of Thembela Sikhakhane and Marc Van Heerden, who used to play for Orlando
Pirates. Other stars include the trusted trio of Michael Morton, Talent
Chawapiwa and Tapelo Nyongo.
The purpose of the games is to assist the host country in long-term football
development while Swallows and Wanderers are expected to use them to register
their supporters.
delegation
“The visit will be preceded by a delegation that will be meeting the FA and
other stakeholders,” shared an impeccable source.
Amazulu officials usually make stops in the country, especially during finals of
the Eswatini Football Association’s flagship juniors’ tournament, which is
played under the Build-It banner. The visitors identify shining local youngsters
for development.
Play
According to a programme for the festivities, Amazulu will arrive on Friday,
March 22 and play their first match on the following day against Wanderers at
3:30pm. Swallows will have a date with the visitors on March 24 at the same
time.
A full programme for Amazulu’s stay in the country and logistics regarding the
game, especially the entry fees, will be released in due course.
Amazulu Manager Qedi Dlamini confirmed the latest development when sought for
comment yesterday.
Swallows PRO Jackson Dlamini confirmed learning about the fixture, but said he
was still waiting for full details regarding other logistics that include the
venue. His Wanderers counterpart Sandile ‘Ntofo’ Dlamini said he was yet to
get a correspondence about the event.
Meanwhile, Amazulu, who are 11th in the 16-team Absa Premiership standings, will
provide a perfect test for both Swallows and Wanderers.
tutelage
The Durban-based ensemble are under the tutelage of respected gaffer Cavin
Johnson. They may be blowing hot and cold this season, but have surprised many,
as they managed to pick up the pieces following a major setback early this
season. They were docked six points by South Africa’s Premier Soccer League in
September last year after they reportedly failed to abide to a FIFA ruling
regarding an employment dispute involving one  Namibian player Phineas Nambandi.