RACE TO FINAL BEGINS IN NHLANGANO

The first team to reach the 2018 SwaziBank Cup final will be known after what promises to be a pulsating security forces derby between Young Buffaloes and Green Mamba.

 As the sides, who meet in Nhlangano today, are only guaranteed E120 000 for reaching this stage; they have their sights firmly set at the bigger E1 million ‘carrot’ for winning the tournament. It is opportunity for holders Buffaloes to make their second straight appearance in the final while Caleb Ngwenya’s men are in a bid to appear in the decider for the first time since the 1-2 loss to Mbabane Swallows in 2016.  Latest results in recent meetings do not make for good reading for Green Mamba after enduring back-to-back defeats in the last three meetings.

Buffaloes completed a league double over Green Mamba this season following 1-0 and 2-0 victories. They also beat the green and white ensemble by 2-1 during the Ingwenyama Cup quarter-final on January 14 this year. However, the visitors will still fancy their chances following back-to-back wins against the opponents in the two meetings in the tournament. Green Mamba won 2-0 in both match-ups of the quarter-finals of the 2012 and 2016 editions. It will take more than individual brilliance to decide this one, as both teams boast depth and quality.

While lanky forward, Phiwa Dlamini, who scored the lone strike in the 1-0 win over Leopard in the quarter-finals is set to lead Buffaloes’ attack; Green Mamba will be buoyed by the rebirth of the trio of Musa Dlamini, Mxolisi Mkhontfo and Njabulo Thwala.
It is a must win for both sides, as they have nothing to show for their resurgence this season.

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