IT’S ‘BIRDS’ VS ’DOWNS AGAIN

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

LOBAMBA – There were three teams that everyone pitied during yesterday’s draw for the Ingwenyama Cup semi final.

Young Buffaloes, Tambuti FC and Manzini Sundowns faced the daunting task of being paired against high-flying and ruthless Mbabane Swallows and in the end it was the ‘Kappa Boys’ who after grinding a 1-0 win over neighbours Moneni Pirates will now have to try to do what no one, except Manzini Wanderers, have managed – and that is to beat the capital city giants.

It is a repeat of last year’s semi final won 5-2 by the Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati-coached side. The difference now is that Sundowns are now coached by Mlamuli ‘Sputla’ Zwane, the man credited for ending Swallows’ jinx against the team two years ago in the quarter-finals of the SwaziBank Cup. His team won 3-2 and yesterday Zwane ended his former club Moneni Pirates’ seven game unbeaten run.

Sundowns PRO Muzi Matsenjwa conceded that facing Swallows at this stage was not something they would have wished for. However, he said they had no alternative, but to learn to swim upstream.

“We would have preferred a cup final meeting given their ruthless manner. But, this being a semi-final, we want to believe anyone can win,” he said.
He said his players were motivated after stopping Pirates in what he said was a tough one.

His Mbabane Swallows counterpart, Sibusiso Manana, said the draw meant nothing in as far as their motto is concerned.
“We have the pressure to keep our supporters happy all the time. And we want to make it clear that this is one trophy we want to win and it is unfortunate that our path has to go via Sundowns,” he said.
He urged his club supporters to continue to rally behind the team, the same way they did against Vovovo FC at Mayaluka Stadium on Saturday. He reminded fans that they are also going to Francistown in Botswana for the CAF Confederations Cup against Orapa F.C next month.

For Young Buffaloes CEO Sandile Gwebu facing Tambuti was a fair draw given that they are playing fellow Premier League opponents.
“They are an open book for us and we will prepare for the tie. We also hope four of our injured players such as Phiwa, Mshengu and ‘Skosh’ will be available,” he said.
He said avoiding Swallows did not mean anything to them because at this stage of the competition, every team was motivated.

Tambuti FC’s Nathi Dlamini was bold in stating that his team had come a long way in the competition since the last 32.
“We have never had an easy draw from the first round. We played Amalanda, Green Mamba, Mbabane Highlanders and now it’s Young Buffaloes. We have settled well in the top league and we are going to take our chances. Our aim has, from the onset, been to compete for the E1.2 million grand prize money and that has not changed,” he said.

The games are on this weekend and the competition’s PRO, Nkosilenhle Masuku, said dates, venues and kick-off time would be announced in due course.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: