CAN THEY DO IT?

Sir,

Mbabane Swallows and Young Buffaloes, the country’s envoys in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup respectively, are walking on a thin line, literally. The two sides are facing an early exit in their respective CAF assignments, if the results of the first leg encounters are anything to go by. Both sides are playing their return matches at home this week and a lot is expected.

The red and white Swallows of Mbabane, who broke records in their previous CAF campaign by reaching the group stages, are expected to make one of the greatest comebacks when they take on Tanzania’s Simba Stars at Mavuso Sports Centre tomorrow. Carrying a 4-1 away defeat, Swallows have the mammoth task of scoring at least three un-answered goals to pass through the spirited Tanzanians. Mind you, with all odds heavily stacked against them, ‘uMkhonto kaShaka’ is expected to outplay the visiting Tanzanians and bring back confidence to the nation. With their previously formidable squad, Swallows were able to do it for the nation, and they have successfully overturned the score lines against much feared sides like Congolese AC Leopards and Tanzania’s Azam FC. The situation seems to be complex for them now, since the departure of many of their key players, and  they have been not up to their game. And their performance even in domestic games speaks volumes about the state of affairs in the ‘beautiful birds’ camp.

They have to dispel the notion that ‘all is not well’ in their squad, and fight with their boots on to stamp their authority in African terrain. Their experience in tournaments of this magnitude should come in handy, and they have to come all out to protect the image of the country in the sporting world. They have to do this against the ambitious Tanzanians who also need it the most. And the question remains; can they be able to upset this Tanzanian side and advance to the next stage of this prestigious CAF campaign? It’s crunch time indeed!

On the other hand,  Buffaloes  who were eliminated in the preliminary round in the previous campaign, are also carrying a 2-0 deficit from Zambia’s Green Eagles. They are one of the formidable sides in local football circles, but they always get it tough in CAF competitions. They carry the country’s hopes as they face the visiting Zambians on Wednesday at Mavuso Sports Centre, and a lot is expected from them to give the nation something to cheer on. With a home ground advantage, coupled with local supporters, the army side must not take this game as a formality but they have to fight to the bitter end - for in the game of football anything is possible. Like Swallows, the Dominic Kunene-led battalions are expected to score at least three un-answered goals against the resolute Eagles or face an early exit in the continental football competition. Can they do it against the treasure hunting Zambians?

Comfort Jele

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