Swazi Observer

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TROUBLE IN MANZINI

By MELUSI MLOTSA | 2024-04-19

SOCCER - LIVING on borrowed time!

For the first time in history of local football, two of the Manzini ‘big three’ teams might wave goodbye to elite league football as they are flirting with relegation.

With five matches remaining before the 2023/24 season ends, the clock is ticking faster for Denver Sundowns, Manzini Wanderers and Moneni Pirates, who are lying shamefacedly in the bottom of the log standings.

Denver Sundowns are rooted at the bottom with 15 points after they suffered a 1-3 defeat at the hands of Illovo at Mayaluka Stadium on Friday.

Hub giants Manzini Wanderers are two points above Sundowns after they succumbed to a 0-3 ‘painful’ defeat at the hands of revitalised Nsingizini Hotspurs at Ka-Langa Technical Centre.

The crowd pulling side was in a similar position last season but they managed to escape the dreaded relegation axe.

This was after they engaged clinical psychologist Ndo Mdlalose to offer counselling to the players during an event held at Sibebe Resort.

Moneni Pirates are also not safe from the chop despite collecting maximum points against Manzini Sea Birds during a match played at Ka-Langa Technical Centre last Friday.

Meanwhile, Manzini Wanderers are the only club amongst the three who have never been relegated since their formation in 1957.

Providing an expert view on the issue, Josiah ‘Digger’ Dlamini said something was amiss with the Manzini teams.

“This is not for the first time Manzini teams find themselves battling with relegation. When you look at the log table you can easily see that something is not right. I am not sure if these teams are not properly managed or what.

Trophies

“This is worrying because these are some of the big teams in the country. They should be winning trophies but look where they are now.”

Dlamini said it would difficult for all three teams to avoid relegation.

Other clubs, who are not safe are Manzini Sea Birds, Ezulwini United and Rangers.

Despite growing calls to have a16-team league, two clubs are expected to be relegated to the National First Division at the end of the campaign as the PLE Board of Governors are yet to decide on the issue.

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