#YELELE: IT’S ‘BIRDS’ VERSUS MATSAPHA UTD

MBABANE – Tension, relief and joy characterised yesterday’s SwaziBank Cup Last 16 draw at the bank’s headquarters’ auditorium.

After everything though, the club that all other 15 clubs had seemingly not wanted, high-flying Mbabane Swallows, who are unbeaten in 28 consecutive games with 27 of these wins, will play interesting rivals, Matsapha United – what a draw! Both are leading the way in their respective leagues.

The tension was clear to all in the room as the first eight clubs were drawn and placed on the left hand side as hosts and then more of it when the opponents were drawn. Obviously, the interest was who meets Swallows. As it turned out, United were drawn against Swallows, much to the excitement of the clubs who were also so relieved it was not their name.

They could all breathe a sigh of relief but United’s acting CEO Victor ‘Mavikane’ Dlamini was stunned but at least held his head up high when given the microphone to speak about the tie. His counterpart Sibusiso Manana flashed a wry smile but one with confidence – you know what he always says; “After this draw we’re going to prepare ourselves just behind the SBIS”.

The draw also excited many because United have Mbabane Highlanders’ people in charge and also have players from the black and white ensemble who gave the red and white side tough times last season.

United are in First Division but they boast elite material with all the experience and talent which means it cannot just be a walk in the park for Umkhonto KaShaka – yes, Swallows are favourites. As Swallows was out of the way, it was now about giants Mbabane Highlanders and Manzini Wanderers.

Highlanders were drawn against elite rivals Manzini Sea Birds – these two have a score to settle as you can recall that the former finished runners-up last season in the league instead of the summit after a late 2-2 draw in the last but one match.
Wanderers will be up against Green Mamba in yet another tough draw for the far-from-convincing hub side. It will also be a second reunion between the two sides’ coaches Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga (G. Mamba) and Wanderers’ Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe – the former was victorious in a first league meeting recently in the second round.
However, all big three clubs’ representatives sounded confident they would go past their rivals, come Saturday and Sunday, when the games are played.
Other exciting clashes include police side Royal Leopard against Vovovo, Manzini Sundowns against Manzini Super League giant slayers Sisonkhe who knocked out Malanti Chiefs over the weekend and Wanderers last year while Moneni Pirates also have a tough one against Tambuti.
Venues and entry fees will be announced today by the tournament’s Management Committee.

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