BUFFS CAN WIN DOUBLE - COACHES

MBABANE - Local coaches are of the view Young Buffaloes are in a better chance to win both the league and EswatiniBank Cup.

The coaches who were interviewed yesterday based their opinion on the army side’s consistency since last season. Some of the coaches who put their head on the block are national team  assistant coach Gcina ‘Magiyane’ Dlamini and Manzini Wanderers gaffer Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe. Other local coaches were of the view that all the teams stand a chance. Club-less coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati, Sihlangu National Team coach Dominic Kunene did not mention which teams could win the two titles.

First to put his head on the chopping block was Hlophe.

Consistent

“Look, let’s accept that Buffaloes stand a better chance of winning both the league and EswatiniBank. They have been consistent since last season and I do not see any team challenging them in the league,” Hlophe said.
He went to say what would give Buffaloes the edge in winning the EswatiniBank Cup was because they were defending it for the past three years.

“Yes, a knockout tournament is tricky but Buffaloes still have an edge. This was their season  to lose, they have been very consistent and their players have that winning mentality. They have a proven record in this cup and this is why I feel they will win it if it continues,” the former Mbabane Swallows coach said.
Former Mhlambanyatsi Rovers coach ‘Magiyane’ also gave Buffaloes the nod in as far as winning the league is concerned.

“They were on course to win it before the lockdown stopped thems.To me, I could crown them champion already,” said Dlamini.
“Coming to the EswatiniBank, they still stand a chance more so because they have won it three times in a row. They still can do it for the fourth time in a row. Of course there are teams like Green Mamba that can properly plan for cup tournaments and they could pose a threat if they stick to their master plan,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Mbabane Highlanders coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati said the champion in the league would be determined by the better prepared team.
“This will be determined by which opponents the competing teams are facing. It won’t be easy and that is why it is hard to predict in the league. Coming to the EswatiniBank, it’s anyone’s cup to win, I would say those teams which are not competing in the league or are safe from relegation should put more focus on the EswatiniBank Cup,” Vilakati said.
Sihlangu head coach  Kunene said his opinion was different from the other coaches.
“Winning the league or the Eswatinibank Cup will depend on the coaches and how they condition the players after the lockdown. If Buffaloes can fail to continue with their consistency after the break, they can lose both these trophies and same applies if they keep up with their momentum, they can manage to win both trophies,” Kunene said.
He emphasised on the preparedness of the players when the games resume.
Currently in the league, Young Buffaloes are leading the chasing pack with 45 points after 18 games while  Mbabane Swallows are second and trailing by eight points while Royal Leopard are on 35 points after the same number of games.
In the EswatiniBank, the quarterfinalists are defending champions Young Buffaloes, Mbabane Highlanders, Tambuti, Mbabane Swallows, Green Mamba, Moneni Pirates and Malanti Chiefs.

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