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‘PAPI’ RULED OUT OF CAF GAMES

16/08/2018 04:35:00 BY NTOKOZO MAGONGO

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MANZINI – All is not rosy at Mbabane Swallows ahead of their CAF Champions League clash against Zambia’s Zesco United.

Their new signee, Xolani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze will not be making an appearance in the two CAF Champions League matches against Zesco United on Saturday, and the last game with Angola’s Club Desportivo 1 de Agosto on August 28 away.

Mbabane Swallows failed to register the player ahead of the registration deadline, August 5 and he can only play when ‘The Birds’ can reach the quarter-finals of the tournament that come with a participation fee of about E9 million. With only two days remaining before kick-off at 3pm on Saturday at Mavuso Sports Centre, four of the first team players are doing light training as they are recuperating from knocks and injuries. These are namely, Vice-Captain Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko, Mandla Palma, Sandile Hlatshwako and Njabulo Ndlovu.

‘Birds’ coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati said there is a concern over the players but they are hopeful that they will be ready for the game on Saturday. He said with Njabulo Ndlovu, they were assessing his fitness after he skipped training ahead of the Eswatini Telecom Charity Cup.

He only started training yesterday.
Striker Sandile Hlatshwako couldn’t finish yesterday morning’s training session due to an ankle injury as he hobbled out of the session, while Mandla Palma is still recuperating from a knee injury he sustained during the Charity Cup on August 5.

“It is a great concern ahead of the match but our medical staff is working hard on making sure that the players are ready to deliver on Saturday,” he said.
Vilakati said he is expecting an explosive match.
“Both sides are battling for a spot in the quarter-finals stages. We both still stand a chance of making it through to the quarter-finals and the only way is to win on Saturday. Zesco United will come all out to win the match and we are also seeking to bag the three points to increase our chances of continuing making history,” he said.
Swallows held their training session yesterday at Mavuso Sports Centre before travelling to Siphofaneni where they have set camp. “Zesco United have two points and a win against us will improve their chances of making it to the quarter-finals, and they will be all out to attempt to achieve that. We are ready for them and we are also looking for three points, we believe that with the good spirit among the team and the players, we will beat Zesco United. We played a draw away at their home and we have to use the home advantage to our side,” he said. Fans will pay E50 to watch the match and only 5 000 will be allowed to enter the E7 500 seater Mavuso Sports Centre. The match will also be live on SuperSport 9.
Vilakati said they have learnt from their past mistakes and they know what they have to do to win the match. Swallows lost their home and away matches against Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel. They were beaten 3-0 here at home and 2-0 away. Zambia is expected to arrive this morning.
Meanwhile, log leaders Etoile du Sahel will be playing Club Desportivo 1 de Agosto same, starting at 8pm.