Malanti must be wary of wounded Skomboys
If football was a sport played on a piece of paper Malanti Chiefs would have been through to the finals already.
The Robert Gumede-owned side has enviable records in such situation against the inexperience of Inkiliva when it comes to challenging for honours.
However, before allowing that deceptive thought to mislead them, they would have to ask Manzini Wanderers as to what happened to their mission to reach the final in the Top Lotto PLS Cup. They are sure to discover that those Weslians’ lofty dreams in the tournament were dashed by the rejuvenated Skomboys side, albeit in a painful manner at the Trade Fair Ground last month.
It is not Balindile, the hero of the Weslians demolition who poses a great danger in the Harris Madze Bulunga coached side, but the fine combination of Sandile Sacolo and Msimisi Ncanywa has claimed many victims in the tournament. Ask Mbabane Swallows, they will tell a better story on the matter.
These are friendly reminders to Malanti Chiefs, who would still be affected by the stand off between estranged talismanic coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati and the team.
His record, especially in games of this magnitude, will be solely missed this afternoon. That is not to suggest that incumbent co-coach Benjamin Chilongo’s capability is in doubt, but it is the former’s versatility in such situations that has transformed the Pigg’s Peak side to a knockout nightmare for many a teams.
In Vusi Madinane, the South African midfielder maestro, Malanti Chiefs have a player for such occasion. And boy he has never disappointed. His braveness and tactical awareness separates him from mere midfielders, to a player born for a big occasion. I have no doubt that his contribution this afternoon will not go unnoticed.
Despite missing the services of injured veteran player Mpumelelo Flamingo Gamedze, Malanti have an allay of start players fit for the challenge. Phumlani Mkhize, a fallen Soweto derby hero, Dumsani Kunene and Sabelo Hlatswako are some of the players Chilongo could bank on to reach the final, which will be the team’s fourth since the 2005 SwaziBank Cup against Hub Sundowns.
Umbelebele 1 Malanti 0
(MTN League 2008)
Umbelebele 3 Wanderers 0
Malanti 6 Buffaloes 5
(In penalty shootouts)
Msimisi Ncanywa – Umbelebele
Sabelo Hlatshwako – Malanti
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COLANI VILAKATI
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19/05/2016 07:25:09
maphalala george
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17/05/2016 10:36:53
Xolani Simphiwe Mkhatshwa
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17/05/2016 10:22:56
Xolani Simphiwe Mkhatshwa
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17/05/2016 10:09:04
Concerned woman
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17/05/2016 10:08:05