MBABANE - Shiselweni rivals collide this afternoon with Nsingizini Hotspurs standing one step away from sealing another league crown.
Rangers could either delay the inevitable or witness Nsingizini Hotspurs celebrate a second consecutive MTN Premier League title this afternoon.
The Shiselweni rivals meet at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium in a fixture carrying enormous implications at both ends of the top half of the table.
A victory for Insingizi Yezulu would move them closer to securing the E1.1 million championship prize, while any slip-up could breathe fresh life into the title hopes of second-placed Manzini Sea Birds.
Nsingizini head into the clash as overwhelming favourites after another dominant campaign under Mandla Qhogi.
Their confidence has been further boosted by last weekend’s E1.45 million Ingwenyama Cup triumph.
Qhogi is expected to rely on influential figures such as Senzo ‘Mbhobho’ Ndlovu, Thubelihle Mavuso and Kingsley Kwakyi as the champions-elect seek another statement victory.
However, Rangers are determined to spoil the party.
Mthunzi Ginindza’s side sit just outside the top eight on 39 points and still harbour ambitions of finishing in the top four, a position that guarantees a lucrative E210 000 reward.
Although Rangers have never defeated Nsingizini in league competition, Ginindza insists his side will not surrender the title race without resistance.
The hosts will miss the suspended Nkosinathi Ndwandwe, but they still possess dangerous attacking options in Mfanasibili ‘Trueboy’ Kunene, Njabulo Nyoni and Nduduzo ‘Bhayi’ Mvakali.
Historically, Nsingizini have dominated this fixture, with Rangers’ best result against the champions remaining a 1-1 draw recorded during the 2023/24 campaign.
Nsingizini Hotspurs defender and captain Kingsley Kwakyi. (Courtesy pic)