IT’S A DERBY DOUBLE DOSE!

MATSAPHA – Mbabane Swallows know winning the Castle Premier Challenge this year will mean they keep the trophy for good but it all starts against Mbabane Highlanders, their traditional derby rivals in the semi-finals this Sunday.

The draw was conducted yesterday at Swaziland Beverages and it proved the two-legged semi-finals will be derby ties – the highlight being the capital city derby which, even by itself, packs the country’s soccer Mecca, Somhlolo National Stadium.
The other derby is that of the forces’ clubs; army side Young Buffaloes against police team Royal Leopard – interesting enough as well as these two are also sworn rivals.

The clubs’ representatives did the draw themselves as their clubs battle for the E800 000 winner-takes-all prize.
They first drew the home and away teams and Swallows and Buffaloes came out as hosts then went for the four bottles that were placed strategically. Mbabane Swallows acting CEO Sibusiso Manana, as defending champions, first picked Swallows, his own club.

After him was Buffaloes CEO Sandile Gwebu, who also picked his own club, then Highlanders’ Sifiso Magagula also picked Highlanders, which set them up against Swallows.

The rest was obvious for Leopard’s Frank Hurube, who still did the formality to pick his team’s name.
As this is a two-legged semi-final, the first leg is billed for this Sunday but the official fixture will be out today but the big capital city derby will be the closing match.

“It’s a big draw and one that’s good for football. In the past three years of this tournament, I don’t think the sponsor has got deserved mileage but this fixture will certainly make them smile back into the game for some years to come.

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