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TEST FOR LEOPARD, MALANTI

08/02/2019 08:52:00 BY CHRIS DLAMINI

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MBABANE – From Uyayifuna Na to Solo Inje, the EswatiniBank Cup never ceases to amaze with its slogans. They all are relevant to each edition – this is the 16th and it kicks off tonight under the tagline ‘Solo Inje’ which loosely translates to ‘It’s still as is or as you know it’.

It is a slogan that immediately ticks its reputation for big upsets. Yes, the slogan suggests nothing has changed. It will still deliver those upsets, cricket scores and anxiety as well as tension even for the fans as always.
Two elite sides in police side Royal Leopard and Malanti Chiefs get the ball rolling tonight. Can they stand the slogan’s test and make it through? Below, we preview the fixtures;

MADLENYA VS LEOPARD AT MAYALUKA Tonight (6:30pm)

MBABANE – The odds are against the National First Division League outfit, Madlenya F.C. in this matchup.
However, that is only on paper as by the nature of any knockout tournament, especially the EswatiniBank Cup, surprises and upsets are what have made it an enjoyable football experience for the nation for 16 years running with this latest edition. Leopard have beaten them twice in knockout meetings, in the Ingwenyama Cup to be precise.

The police team hammered them 5-0 in first edition, Last 32 stage before winning 2-0 in Last 16 of same knockout tournament last year.
It has to be noted that Madlenya have reached the Last 16 twice in the Ingwenyama Cup so they have something to offer in this knockout. They will also be in their own backyard even though that is where Leopard drubbed them 5-0 in 2015/16 edition.

Lost

They lost 2-3 to Mbabane Highlanders in Last 16 of the 2016/17 edition. They will not be walkover and have the potential to upset a star-studded Leopard who have looked sharp under soft-spoken coach Edwin Matsebula. It is a wait-and-see as the EswatiniBank Cup kicks off once again but Leopard have won it three times and will want to add another after failing in the Ingwenyama Cup. We have also seen smaller teams beat the giant sides – Mbabane Swallows lost to Matsapha United in Last 16 of 2016/17while Tabankulu Callies also stunned Mbabane City.
Zibonele Vultures also pulled an upset against Red Lions winning 2-1. It is here again. Solo Inje!