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‘BIRDS’ PRIMED FOR TRICKY LEOPARD TEST

04/05/2023 12:36:00 Mengameli Mabuza

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MBABANE - Mbabane Swallows’ quest for a top two spot in the MTN Premier League table faces what could be a stern challenge when they visit Royal Leopard on Sunday.

It is the last mile, as the chase for the holy grail of Eswatini football is about to reach boiling point. Ahead of this Sunday’s blockbuster, Swallows knows very well that the dream of playing in Africa is still very much alive. Of late, this fixture has become high-scoring and there have been 11 goals scored in the past five games between the two sides. The last fixture was back on October 10, 2022, which finished in a 2-all draw. Swallows Coach Caleb Ngwenya comes to the game knowing that a win will potentially give his side a chance to go with the league winners to representing the country in the second-tier tournament styled CA Confederation Cup.

While only Swallows are on a 12-game unbeaten run in the league, Leopard are currently without a win in their last three MTN Premier League games and will be out to dent Swallows’ hopes on Sunday. With this game proving to be high scoring, this weekend’s meeting is expected to be no different as the teams boast goal-poachers in their quality sides. Umkhonto KaShaka will be hoping that players like Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst and Kwakhe Thwala, who are expected to spearhead their attack, are switched on for the match. Leopard, on the other hand, will be trusting players like Junior ‘Shisa Gesi’ Magagula, Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini and Kelvin Kunene. Below we zoom in on the players who are expected to steal the show in the game which promises to have fireworks.

Felix Badenhorst (Swallows)
The leading MTN Premier League sharp shooter has been a revelation for swallows this season. Once again, they will be looking at him to influence the results against Leopard as he has done in many games this season. Badenhorst has scored 20 goals in 24 matches for the ‘Birds’ in the current campaign and will be looking to add a few before the curtain falls on the league.

Ayanda Gadlela (Swallows)
The former Tambuti FC attacking player has proven to be one of the best signings for Swallows, scoring important goals. He will be aiming to continue scoring against the defending champions.

Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini (Leopard)
The former Mbabane Highlanders player has been a revelation for Leopard this season, together with Junior Magagula. He will be one of the players who will cause a major threat for a Swallows side still dreaming to play in Africa.

Skhumbuzo Magagula (Leopard)
The leopard left-back will have his work cut out with Gadlela consistently running at him with the ball glued on his educated left foot. On top of dealing with the obvious threat from the Swallows wingers, ‘Skhulu’ will have to play an important role for his team, something that Leopard will need in abundance.