Weslians aim to end jinx at Kappa Boys

Manzini Wanderers will approach this afternoon’s crunch match against Manzini Sundowns, knowing that victory will be hard to earn a commodity.

Many factors will work against the Weslians going to this match, but the obvious one is the decline in form of the team in recent times. Last week Friday at the same venue, Wanderers dismally failed to match Mbabane Highlanders before a capacity crowd. They ended up losing 0-3 to the rampaging Black Bull, with left-winger Khayelihle ‘Karas’ Dlamini on fire.

Making the situation more complex for Wanderers is that they have struggled against the Kappa Boys in both league and knockout tournaments. In 2005, Colleen Salelwako scored the only goal that condemned the Weslians out of the SwaziBank Cup at the same stage of the tournament.

This afternoon they will be up against a more organized, composed and hungrier Sundowns side. In fact, Sundowns if left unchecked have the potential to go all the way this time with squad they are parading. Cameroonian midfielder Roger has strike a good partnership with Reagan Steenkamp and playmaker Andile ‘Fish’ Mazibuko.

There is also flying winger Phumlani Ngwenya who will be a thorn to the Weslians flesh if Tiger Thompson fails to rectify the problem on his team’s right flank.

Carlos Mathunjwa and Cameroonian new signee Beckera Jean Vincent are starting to show great understanding upfront, and the jittery defence at the maroon and white ensemble could brace themselves for a torrid afternoon.

We have said it several times that Wanderers’ play revolves around striker Ndoda Mthethwa. Whenever the former Lozitha Spurs striker fails, that also applies to the entire team, as it was the case against Highlanders.

Benele Dlamini kept ‘Stomach’ as the player is affectionately called, under tight surveillance and the same strategy will be applied by Sundowns. In Jerome Ntshalintshali, Sundowns have one of the best man markers in the league these days.

Manzini Wanderers at the Trade Fair Ground enjoy the best support from their loyal supporters who have not failed to outnumber the opposition any day.

They will be the team’s 12th player this afternoon, and the team with the backing of the supporters, has the potential to spring a surprise victory. Last season at the same venue, they walloped highly favoured Young Buffaloes 3-0 before advancing to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

The supporters who kept the team going through-out played the larger part of that memorable victory. You may write the Weslians off at your own peril.

Ndoda Mthethwa (Wanderers)

Carlos Mathunjwa (Sundowns)

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