LEOPARD ‘CLAW’ WANDERERS

SITEKI – It was bound to end in tears for Manzini Wanderes in the MTN Premier League.

Having not trained adequately in the last two weeks, they went down 3-1 to log leaders Royal Leopard here yesterday afternoon. Goals from Bonginkosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini, Lungelo Tsabedze and Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini were enough to hand the police side a revenge against the maroon and white outfit who denied them the E350 000 first round incentive with a goalless draw in the first round. After their plea to have the game postponed failed with the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), Wanderers had to face the unstoppable Leopard. The players had before threatened to boycott the game due to unpaid two months salaries, but they had a change of heart yesterday morning and showed up for the match. Wanderers have won two matches against Milling Hot Spurs and Tambankulu Callies in the period they have not been training. It was a different story altogether yesterday for them against a star-studded and unbeaten Leopard this season.

leading

Leopard are still leading Young Buffaloes, who beat Green Mamba 2-1 yesterday, with six points with four games remaining. The judgement day is on Saturday when they play each other at KaLanga Technical Centre at 3pm. Despite the loss, Wanderes are still fourth on the log, ahead of Mbabane Highlanders and Green Mamba who are fifth and sixth respectively. Back to the match, Leopard showed dominance from the word go as they were attacking from all angles but failing to beat the rivals’ goalkeeper Mcolisi Dlamini.  The trio of Thabiso Mokenkoane, Muzi ‘ Mzoro’ Dlamini and Bonginkosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini were all guilty. Against the run of play, Leopard were given a scare when South Africa’s foward Siphamandla Dhlamini scored, as he effortlessly finished off a cross from Mlandvo Dlamini in the 20th minute. That was a wake-up call for Leopard as they continued to pile pressure and it paid off when Manyovu was allowed to control the ball inside the 18-area before he unleashed a ground shot that beat the goalie. The teams went into the breather level at 1-1.

Changes

In the second half, Leopard made three changes as they rested Zweli ‘Mlilo’ Nxumalo, Thabiso Mokenkoane and Manyovu for Lungelo Tsabedze, Thokozani Dlamini and Bongani Ndzimamdze. With his first touch, Lungelo was able to make amends for the missed chances in the first round game as he beat the Wanderers shotstopper seconds after coming on. Leopard were in full control of the match and it came as no surprise when Mzoro added the third with nine minutes remaining and that was the end of the match with Leopard smiling all the way to Saturday’s security forces derby, which is the epic match in as far as the title race is concerned. Leopard win it, they go nine points clear, a draw means seven points advantage while a defeat will see Buffaloes close in to trail by three points. After this match, there will be three more games to play but Leopard go on to win even the next match after this derby, they will be uncrowned champions and off to the CAF Champions League. However, if Buffaloes manage a win, the race could go down to the wire but only if Leopard continue to drop points after this derby clash. The first round ended 1-all on May 19, this year.

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