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BULL, BIRDS BIGGEST WINNERS IN WEEK 22

21/04/2022 08:38:00 Ntokozo Magongo

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MANZINI – It was a full action packed Tuesday as eight games were played.

Mbabane Highlanders were the happiest team as they caught up with stuttering leaders, Royal Leopard’s on 49 points. The police side were held to a goalless draw by Denver Sundowns, while Highlanders beat Moneni Pirates 2-0. Highlanders’ striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa was also back scoring, after going through a mini-goal-drought that saw him going four games without scoring. He scored his 18th goal of the season, inspiring his side to the 2-0 over hapless Moneni Pirates. Mbabane Swallows are now serious title challengers after their 4-0 win over Malanti Chiefs. They are four points behind leaders Royal Leopard and second placed Mbabane Highlanders, while Young Buffaloes are a point away on third spot.

‘Sikhali’ back scoring

Mbabane Highlanders fans were delighted as their striker and Captain Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, who played 40 minutes in the 1-3 defeat by Young Buffaloes due to injury came back on Saturday to score in the 2-0 win against Moneni Pirates. Ndzinisa scored his 18th goal of the season in the MTN Premier League to continue leading the scoring chart. Another player who is hot on Ndzinisa’s heels is Buffaloes’ Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze who scored his 15th in the 2-all draw against Tambankulu Callies on Tuesday, while Manzini Wanderers’ Fabrice Mopina netted his 13th. Meanwhile, ‘Sikhali’ had gone on a draught like Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah who also cut his drought short with a brace against Manchester United on Tuesday night as they won 4-0 at Anfield.

‘Bull’ fans support Denver
After forcing a goalless draw against challengers and defending champions, Royal leopard, Denver Sundowns went straight to Mbabane Highlanders fans to appreciate their support as they battled the tough police side. Highlanders fans, who were waiting for the game against Moneni Pirates after the Leopard and Sundowns game, took their time to support and cheer on the ‘Basop IKappa’ ensemble on Tuesday afternoon as they played their biggest rivals in the title race. It worked for both parties as Highlanders saw Leopard failing to stretch the lead at the top, while Sundowns secured a precious point. It is Leopard on top at 49 points, Highlanders on second with 49 points – only goal difference separates the two.

Football fans cheer on athletics
Football fans were treated to athletics during the MTN Premier League double-header on Saturday at Mavuso Sports Centre and they seemed to enjoy every part of it. The Athletics Eswatini (AE) organised some athletics events that were on display during half-time of each of the matches. Some of the events enjoyed by the supporters were the 100m, 200m, 400m and the 4X100m relay. Well done to the AE and the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) for mixing the two sporting codes. Both parties benefitted as the fans were kept entertained during the breaks, while the athletes got the chance to compete in front of a big crowd.

Ambulance, paramedics issue disgraceful
It is only a matter of time before a soccer player experiences the worst when it could be avoided. The continued absence of health personnel during the country’s elite games is a big threat to the lives of the players, especially as they sometimes get head injuries, bone fractures as well as just get knocked out. This is also a blatant ignorance of the rules of the game in as far as FIFA requirements go, as no football match, especially at such high level should proceed without proper medical support inside the playing venue. An ambulance is a basic requirement, but it was embarrassing to once again see a player, seriously injured and suspected to have broken or fractured a bone in his leg, that is Manzini Wanderers’ midfielder Mlandvo Dlamini being taken off the pitch on one of the team doctors’ back with a bandaged leg, writhing in pain. It took a private car from the club to transport him to hospital. Wanderers beat Rangers 3-2 in the match. There is hope though, as an ambulance and medical staff were present at the Mavuso Sports Centre on Saturday and they rescued Moneni Pirates’ Nkosinathi Shongwe who suffered a head injury.

Prince of Wales or Prince of Swimming pool
So muddy was the Prince of Wales Sports Ground ahead of the Vovovo FC vs Green Mamba league clash on Tuesday it could have easily passed for a pigsty. Pools of water all over the pitch, on any other day the game could have easily been called off. But Match Commissioner Thulani Nkonyane, in his infinite wisdom, commissioned the game. For lack of a better word, the Prince of Wales Sports ground in its current state is unplayable.

COME TO THINK OF IT:
Mbabane Swallows has now joined the league title chasing pack after their worst start to a season ever. They last lost a match on January 23 in the Big Mbabane Derby against Mbabane Highlanders and since then they are on fire, winning seven and drawing two games. It looks like Tambuti are on a survival mood while Tinyosi seem to have given up as they have gone nine games without a victory, while they had drawn two and lost seven. Royal Leopard are now struggling for form and since they ended their CAF Confederation Cup campaign. Failing to win a game in their last two matches saw Mbabane Highlanders catching up with them at the top.