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CAN SEA BIRDS SURVIVE TINYOSI’S STING?

15/04/2021 08:03:00 BY LWAZI DLAMINI

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Premier league rookies Tinyosi FC’s two wins, two draws and one loss in five games is the second best start by any newcomer in the elite league since Eleven Men In Flight, on their maiden season, went on to win the Castle Lager league in 1994.

The Siteki glamour boys, when the league was still played in the calendar - January to December – were unbeaten in the opening nine games under the tutelage of the late Stanley Sinyo Ndunduma. Ndunduma passed away with three games to go and it was Ben Khamtshwere who went on to lift the league title.

dangerous

Owned by former Manzini Wanderers and Sihlangu goalkeeper Mbuso ‘Banks’ Dlamini, Tinyosi’s sting has been dangerous and throbbing thus far, stinging Malanti Chiefs on December 13, 2020 and Black Swallows on Easter Monday, April 5, 2021 2-0 respectively to briefly occupy the pole position. But last Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Green Mamba coupled with other results elsewhere saw them drop to mid-table – positive seven – before yesterday’s results.

In reality today’s clash is not only a chance to make up for last Sunday’s devastating loss but to also reclaim their sting in the quest to stay within the title chasing pack. They face a Manzini Sea Birds side who find themselves in a lofty fourth position following a slice of fortune. The Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane-owned outfit got free three points and two goals from the Eswatini Football Association Disciplinary Committee table following Moneni Pirated being guilty for causing the abandonment of the opening league clash on December 12, 2020.

beating

Other than those free points, ‘Izinyoni Zolwandle’ have only won one game, beating Mhlume Peacemakers 3-1 on Easter Monday (April 5) at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium and then playing three draws with Malanti Chiefs, Tambuti FC and Mbabane Highlanders. Given the one point difference between the two sides indications are that it is going to be closely contested affair especially as both sides will be looking at clear statement ahead of the weekend fixtures. A draw looks highly likely to be a result of this unpredictable clash.