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SIX PLAYERS TO WATCH IN DERBY

15/12/2022 08:32:00 Mengameli Mabuza

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MBABANE – This weekend will see the biggest and most attended fixture in the country taking centre stage between arch rivals Mbabane Highlanders and Mbabane Swallows at Mavuso Sports Centre at 3:30pm.

This titanic clash remains the fiercest and most prestigious rivalry in the Eswatini football calendar. ‘Inkunzi Emnyama’ will play host on Saturday to ‘Umkhonto KaShaka’. The magnitude of this match has the capability of making players make a name for themselves. It is often the case with the Mbabane derby day that it will divide families, down the middle with mothers, fathers, sons and daughters rooting for either side. But it has proven that lately it is more a gentle rivalry, although segregation of supporters is still there but there has also been a little way on the violence part too. This has not always been the case but in recent times, some of the bitterness from split of the clubs is slowly starting to dissipate being replaced by banter which should be good for Eswatini football.

With so much riding in this early festive season clash, in terms of confidence and self-belief, a number of players will be looking at making their mark. The Times of Eswatini Sports Desk takes a closer look at six players who will be looking to shine in the Mbabane derby.

Musa Dlamini (Highlanders)
The former MTN top goalscorer is back to full fitness and fighting for a spot in the team. Musa has that ability in him to be the focal point for the giants in their attack with his blistering pace and ability to link up with his teammates. Musa will be against Kingly and Kingu Pemba in the Swallows defence and the battles will likely prove to play a huge role in the outcome of the game.

Bonginkosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini (Highlanders)
The former Royal leopard pacey winger will be looking at using this game to introduce himself to the Mbabane Highlanders supporters. He is currently looking at finding his feet in the team with the off the field issues that has been heard regarding his signing on fee. The clash with Mbabane Swallows will be the perfect chance for ‘Manyovu’, who is looking to enhance his reputation. The former Eswatini international will be looking to take advantage of the vulnerable Mbabane Swallows right flank.

Leon ‘Chuster’ Manyisa (Swallows)
The former Manzini Wanderers player has not find it easy in the star-studded Mbabane Swallows team, but Musa Manyatsi seems to be getting the best out of the attacking midfielder. The Mbabane derby will not only provide the gifted young man a chance to regain his form and confidence, but also remind everyone of what he can do.

Felix Badernhorst (Swallows)
All eyes will be on the former Eswatini international player, who is currently in red hot form. ‘Fela’ currently has seven league goals in his last six league games and it is no secret that he comes to this match as Swallows’ big weapon in the clash. The lanky forward is currently enjoying his game sitting on number three in the MTN Premier League. Felix will be looking at adding his goal tally when they face off against Mbabane Highlanders.

Philani Mkhontfo (Highlanders)
The Eswatini international has quickly established himself as one of the key players in the Mbabane Highlanders setup and is tirelessly present in the Highlanders’ last third. He possesses attributes to dribble past defenders and make runs in the box to create goal scoring opportunities .The former Hawane Shooting Stars player has that goal scoring instinct in him and will be one of the biggest threats Highlanders possess on Saturday.

Mutanda Bashiri (Swallows)
The burly Mbabane Swallows striker will undoubtedly offer a major threat to Mbabane Highlanders defence on Saturday. With the likes of Felix and Banele Sikhondze likely to partner him in the forward areas, the striker, currently on three leg goals, will be looking at adding to his goal scoring tally in this game.