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‘BUFFS’ ELIMINATE ‘BULL’ IN CAF RACE

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Mbabane - The continental dream is officially over.

Young Buffaloes have crushed any hopes Mbabane Highlanders had of returning to play in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after the Mandla ‘Stofu’ Dlamini-led side defeated log leaders Green Mamba 1-0 on Wednesday.  The game was played at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, in Nhlangano.

Currently

Inkunzi Emnyama are currently sitting on number four on the charts with 47 points after 24 games. Second-placed Buffaloes’ win over Inyoka Eluhlazane took their tally to 54 points, which is now out of reach for the Mbabane giants. The highest number of points Highlanders can accumulate now with only two games left is 53. Only the top two can qualify to play continental football in the absence of a knockout here in Eswatini.

The club’s Managing Director (MD) Chief Ally Kgomongwe felt it was a big blow for his team. “Obviously, I wanted the team to return and play in the CAF Confederation Cup but the reality now is that my dream of seeing that happen is now over. Playing in Africa markets the club in the African continent. It helps the club to be tested in a rather tougher environment but we will do our best next season,” he said. Kgomongwe went on to say that he was going to open the cheque book next season so that they could compete domestically.

Quality

“With the recommendations of our coach, I want to sign quality players for the team that will help us achieve our goal. “The fact that none of the big teams will go represent Eswatini in Africa was not good marketing for the country because the reality is that the forces teams have no supporters. “I dream to see all the big teams in the country in Highlanders, Swallows, Wanderers and Pirates  going to play in Africa. It is possible if we can work together in developing football,” he added.

Highlanders’  traditional rivals Mbabane Swallows are the only big team with a slight chance of returning to Africa. Umkhonto KaShaka last played there in the 2018/19 season. Swallows must must win and pray for Buffaloes lose one of their two games in the league.

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