MBABANE – City giants Mbabane Swallows Assistant Coach Sindiso Gama has ignited the fuse ahead of tomorrow’s high-stakes clash at the Somhlolo National Stadium, shifting the pressure squarely onto the shoulders of league leaders Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Speaking during a pre-match briefing held at Sigwaca House yesterday, the Birds mentor pulled no punches regarding the stature of the two clubs.
“Swallows is a bigger team than Nsingizini; we are going there to get the three points and complete a double,” Gama declared.
Swallows won 1-0 in the first round against the Shiselweni side and they are hungry to replicate that success. When questioned on why the Big Three have struggled for consistency this season, Gama attributed the fluctuation to a heavy influx of new personnel, injuries and suspensions. He highlighted that his squad is currently in a transitional phase where players must ‘unlearn’ old habits to fully grasp the culture, philosophy, and the weight of wearing such a prestigious badge.
On the other side of the pitch, Nsingizini Hotspurs arrive with the clinical objective of surpassing the 65-point mark. Coach Mandla Qhogi admitted his side is ‘willing to suffer’ to secure a result he views as ‘revenge’ for their previous encounter. Qhogi also dismissed concerns that losing four key players to international moves would derail their title defence, suggesting instead that such transfers improve the national team’s continental prospects.
Acknowledging Swallows’ pedigree, the South African mentor urged Hotspurs fans to turn out in numbers, promising to make them happy after they missed out on the ‘first-round carrot’ prize. Qhogi also issued a passionate appeal for fair officiating, noting that this fixture is a prime window for players to showcase their talent to scouts looking for regional exports.
Mbabane Swallows Assistant Coach Sindiso Gama,Goalkeeper Bongiswa ‘Romario’ Dlamini, Nsingizini Hotspurs defender Kingsley Kwayki and Head Coach Mandla Qhogi after a pre-match interview at Sigwaca House. (Pic: Sanele Jele)