Times Of Swaziland: ‘BIRDS’ TAKE ON ‘BUFFS’  IN MTN LEAGUE OPENER

‘BIRDS’ TAKE ON ‘BUFFS’  IN MTN LEAGUE OPENER
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Sabelo Ndzinisa  on 02/12/2020 16:29:00


MBABANE – The long wait is finally over.
After what seemed like an eternity, the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has
finally officially released fixtures for the 2020/2021 MTN Premier League
season, expected to kick-off next weekend (12 December 2020). The only
disappointment for football followers is that contrary to initial expectations,
the much-anticipated Mbabane derby pitting sworn rivals Mbabane Swallows and
Mbabane Highlanders has now been shifted to week nine of the first round
fixtures. The revised fixtures announced by the PLE office yesterday are
presenting some quite mouth-watering opening fixtures. It will definitely not be
a walk in the park for defending champions Young Buffaloes, who will be forced
to dig deeper into their reserves of courage against the glory-seeking Mbabane
Swallows.
Glamour
The red and white glamour giants have already made a big statement about their
ambitions this season and Buffaloes will without a doubt present a tough test
for them. The army giants carry the advantage coming to this game as they have
already played an official football match, which was against Burundi champions
Le Messager De Ngozi a few days ago. Most of Buffaloes players are part of
Sihlangu that has already featured in AFCON Qualifying matches against Congo
Brazzaville about two weeks ago. Another eye-catching game in the opening
fixtures will see the big-spending Mbabane Highlanders crossing swords with
Royal Leopard. Highlanders have been very busy in the transfer market in recent
days, making a number of high-profile signings that has raised the expectations
of their followers in the new season.
Leopard have been flattering to deceive of late as they have been enjoying
little success in terms of trophies despite parading a very competitive squad.
There is also the Manzini derby to watch where Manzini Wanderers will face city
rivals Denver Sundowns. Wanderers are on a rebuilding phase with a new director
in place and will want to start the season on a positive note, putting one over
their town rivals. The venues and times of these fixtures are expected to be
confirmed by the PLE office tomorrow, but it has been reported that only four
venues will be used, which is Mavuso Sports Centre and King Sobhuza II Memorial
Stadium among others, while Somhlolo National Stadium is not accessible until
next year. Action will also take centre stage in the national first division
league as fixtures have also been released for that division. Most of the teams
contacted for comment by this publication asked not to say anything until they
receive official correspondence from the PLE on the fixtures.