’LANDERS BLEW IT

Eswatini CAF Confederation Cup envoys Mbabane Highlanders began life without their former marksman in Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa when they welcomed DStv Premiership side Royal AM at Somhlolo National Stadium two days ago.

Despite playing at home, the capital city giants came to the clash dangling underdogs nametags for one obvious reason. They had not kicked a ball in a competitive match since June this year while their competitors were already challenging for honours in the money-spinning DStv Premiership. In fact, a week before the clash, Royal AM were at the summit of the charts back home. The ‘sketchy preparations’ enforced by the ‘extended’ league break made the game a wait-and-see for the hosts. But on match day, odds swung to the black and white ensemble’s way after the freezing of the visiting side’s co-coaches in Dan Malesela and Khabo Zondo due to CAF Licensing requirements.

weakened

It did not end there, as Royal AM further paraded a relatively weakened side due to injuries and other logistical issues. In the visiting Royal AM squad, there was no place for some of their stars who include Brazil-born sturdy defender Ricardo Nascimento who was signed from South Africa’s soccer heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns. Other notable absentees included the impressive quartet of Phalane Lantshene, Kabelo Mahlasela, Ruzaigh Gamildien and Menzi Masuku. Masuku had a stint with Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. At the end, both teams fired blanks. While Highlanders may feel that it is a positive result, they will rue the missed chances if they fail to win the return match this weekend. They could have buried Royal AM by an avalanche of goals. While the general feeling from guests and team Managing Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe was that it was a good result after avoiding defeat, the capital city giants should be worried heading into the second leg. The only thing to celebrate from the home game is the clean sheet, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is yet to scrap the away goal rule.

Royal AM might not only welcome back their stars for the decider, but could prove a hard nut to crack on home soil. After all, they had concerns about the Somhlolo artificial turf, as they were not used to that surface. After failing to score at home against a weakened side, Highlanders now hope to achieve that away. While a goal will be enough to steer the ‘Black Bull’ to the second round if they maintain a clean sheet or avoid conceding more than once; their immediate concern should be the failure to convert the clear cut chances. They have the stars needed for the job. While Sihlangu star Philani Mkhontfo remains a shining light in midfield, the likes of returning forward Josef Lekata, Tony ‘Ben 10’ Machacha and Kenneth Moloto provide attacking options. While waiting to register their newly-signed stars in Bonginkhosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini and Musa Dlamini from Royal Leopard and Green Mamba, respectively; they should capitalise on the players at their disposal. Come match day, they should stand their ground away and start believing  that they have the verve to prevail over the illustrious opponents.

For  Leopard  who are the country’s representatives in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, they should walk tall after grinding a good 3-2 result on the road in what was reportedly a feisty showdown against CFFA of Madagascar. Disturbing reports suggested that the game proved to be too physical, resulting in injuries for some of Leopard’s key players. Going into the second leg this weekend, the police side should guard against complacency. They made things easier for themselves by scoring three times away.  As a result, the Edwin Matsebula-led technical bench’s biggest assignment on the day will be tightening the backdoor. With a home advantage, they will have all the needed ammunition for the game. If they go past CFFA, they will then face a stern test against Cameroon giants Coton Sport. The blue and white outfit’s loyalists would never forgive Leopard if they fail to complete the job they started in Madagascar.

stars

Having reached the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup last year, the police outfit should now reach for the stars. It is high time they qualify for the group stages of Africa’s premier club competition. They have not only maintained the core of their league winning side, but have blended the squad with good players who include Senzelwe Dlamini who was recruited from Vovovo. He did not waste time in hitting the ground running after scoring away this past weekend. On paper, the game is already in the bag for Leopard but they should not be ahead of themselves. The last time a team from Madagascar was here in Eswatini, it ended in tears for a local side. That was back on March 2, 2013.  Highlanders had won 2-1 away against TCO Boeny on February 17 of the same year but in the  return match at Somhlolo National Stadium, the islanders won by the same score line to force the game into penalties. The visitors prevailed during the ‘lottery’ of penalty kicks. As they say, forewarned is forearmed.

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