BUFFS LADIES RIDING CREST OF THE WAVE

The women’s football league (WFL) closed the curtain on the first round after 12 weeks of play.

Here are some of the highlights of the games as we look forward to the resumption of more action in the second round.

Buffs’ unbeaten run

Young Buffaloes ladies are by far the strongest team in the Women’s Football League sitting at the log summit, where they are parading an unbeaten run in 12 games. They scored a total of 116 goals without a strong defensive strategy paired up with good goalkeeping by first choice goalkeeper Sukoluhle Sibandze ensured that they did not concede a single goal. Coach Fisiwe Hlophe believes that their joint effort would help them win the league and campaign in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Champion’s league won by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.

372 goals in 1st round

The Eswatini Women’s Football League may find itself in desperate need of new nets in the second round. After 12 weeks of play, a massive 372 goals were scored and Young Buffaloes contributed 116 goals, which is 31 per cent of the total number of goals. The current top goalscorer is Young Buffaloes striker Celiwe ‘Cece’ Nkambule who scored 48 goals and targets at least 80 goals by the end of the season.

Weslians bounce back

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Manzini Wanderers ladies are a force to be reckoned with as they proved invincible and managed to rebuild the team from scratch in a space of two weeks following the en mass exodus of players. These were the same players who participated in the inaugural TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Football League. Team Manager Mduduzi Maseko and the technical bench led by Bongani Makhukhula deserve an Oscar for resuscitating the team and empowering the new players, who despite their challenges, managed to end their first round campaign placed in position eight of the 13-member league. They registered four victories, two draws and six defeats.

Spectatorship Increase

The number of spectators who take time to support the teams has increased significantly. This was viewed as a positive impact by the new Chief Operations Officer (COO), Ntandoyenkosi Hlatjwayo, in her two months of office after taking over from former acting communications officer Aaron ‘Katalala’ Mavimbela. The support shown to the ladies teams also comes from Premier league coaches in the likes of Dumisani Makhanya, and dignified personnel such as Army Commander Mashikilisana Fakudze who cheered his team when they beat one of the strong contenders As Interladies 3-0 in their final first round match a fortnight ago.

Player of month award

For the first time in the history of EWFL, the players are motivated to strive for excellence, thanks to the Player of the Month  Award that carries a purse of E2 000. The sponsor of this generous initiative requested to remain anonymous. Nkambule and Wanderers player Lindiwe Dlamini’s exceptional performances saw them clinch the awards for the month of January and February.

Bad behaviour by fans

As much as the increase in the number of spectators in playing venues, Eswatini Women’s Football Association (EWFA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ntandoyenkosi Hlatjwayo has condemned acts of violence among fans. She made special reference to the most recent scenario where fans of two clubs caused a scene and engaged in a violent altercation based on ‘muti’ allegations. Teams who are found guilty of contravening the league rules and regulations will face due consequences.

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