IT’S LEOPARD’S TITLE TO LOSE!

Only the best team wins the league. Police ensemble Royal Leopard boosted their chances of snatching a fourth MTN Premier League title when they held wasteful defending champions Mbabane Swallows to a barren stalemate at Somhlolo National Stadium on Tuesday night.

The fact that this top of the table clash failed to produce a winner as both teams shared the spoils means only one thing – Leopard already have one claw on the league trophy.

SWALLOWS REMAINING GAMES:

Manzini Sundowns (home) – The red and white glamour giants have hardly struggled to go past Manzini Sundowns when it really matters. However, Sundowns feel they have an outside chance of finishing the competition as runners up and will not surrender without a fight. There is no doubt that the ‘Kappa Kappa’ ensemble has assembled its strongest squad in years and will surely give the Mbabane giants a run for their money. Sundowns have also been boosted by their last victory over Correctional Services’ side Green Mamba. They could spoil the party for the Mbabane giants and blow away their title aspirations.

Midas City (home) – This is the same side that recently gave the Mbabane heavyweights a scare in the SwaziBank Cup. Swallows needed a replay to finally oust City in the quarter-finals of the tournament. It could even be tougher for them when they meet the league’s strugglers currently rooted at the basement of the log satandings. City it seems are more dangerous in the later stages of the competition.

Malanti Chiefs (away) – This is one game Swallows wish they would have played by now. The ‘Birds’ certainly do not want to meet the Pigg’s Peak-based side in what could decide their destiny in as far as the league race is concerned. The Mbabane giants will, however, be comforted in knowing that history is on their side. When they won the title two seasons ago, they had to beat Malanti in the last game of the season and they did just that.

ROYAL LEOPARD REMAINING GAMES:

Moneni Pirates (home) – This is a tricky clash for the police outfit, which they cannot afford to lose. At the same stage last season, Pirates beat them 3-1 even though the police side is likely to argue that they were not competing then. The Pirates’ game will surely go a long way in deciding their fate in this season’s competition.

Umbelebele/Cosmos (home) – On paper, this one should be a relatively easier clash for the Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane’s charges, as the Msunduza based ‘Inkiliva’ are relegation candidates. However, the return of Umbelebele’s shrewd and veteran administrator, Veli Dlamini, can spur them on. Umbelebele cannot be taken for granted anymore as evidenced by their convincing 2-0 win over Manzini Sea Birds in the last fixture. 

Manzini Wanderers (away) – The police ensemble is not expected to struggle against one-time title pretenders, Manzini Wanderers for so many reasons. The hub giants simply do not have the players to match ‘Ingwe Emabalabala’ pound for pound. Wanderers players seem to only reserve their best for games against the so-called big guns.

However, taking into consideration, the Wanderers’ newly-found friendship with Leopard, it is almost a foregone conclusion that the maroon and white outfit is likely to gift them the game. Wanderers would rather see Leopard lift it than to see Mbabane Swallows defend the crown.   

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