Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

LEOPARDâ€™S NIGHTMARE LEAGUE RUN-IN!

By Mthunzi Maziya | 2019-04-24

SOCCER – ROYAL Leopard’s hopes of winning this year’s MTN Premier League will be tested to the maximum as they face the toughest final four matches of the campaign.

The police side currently enjoy a two-point cushion at the top of the MTN log ahead of second placed Green Mamba FC, who have arguably the easiest remaining matches on paper.

Leopard will take on Mbabane Highlanders at King Sobhuza II Stadium tomorrow, before playing against Mbabane Swallows, Matsapha United, and Young Buffaloes.

Both Swallows and Buffaloes are still very much in the title race, the latter being only four points behind going into tomorrow’s matches. Sought for comment on his team’s difficult run-in, Leopard coach Edwin Matsebula said they were fully aware that every game would be tough between now and the end of the season. He said was important for them to win every match, even if they do not play well. “It is not going to be easy, but I have full confidence in my team. We have to take it one game at a time. It would be wrong to think we are in pole position to win the league as there is still a lot of work to be done,” he said.

Since the start of the second round, Leopard have lost only once in the league, 2-0 to their closest challengers, Green Mamba FC. They have won all their other matches. Second-placed Green Mamba will play against Malanti Chiefs, Mbabane Citizens, Tambuti FC, and Mbabane Highlanders in their remaining games. Coach Caleb Ngwenya says they will keep their feet on the ground until the very last match. “No team is easy to play against. We cannot look at the fixtures and think that we have easy games. Anything is possible between now and the end of the season,” he said. Third placed Young Buffaloes have Vovovo FC, Malanti Chiefs, Mbabane Swallows, and Leopard to deal with. Coach Dominic Kunene said his team was focused on their next game, and were not even thinking about being crowned champions. “We have to prepare for each game as it comes, otherwise we will lose focus if we set ourselves too many targets,” he said. Swallows, who are currently fourth, play against two of the teams in the top four in their last four matches. Coach, Nyanga ‘Crookes’ Hlophe said they would fight until the end. “For as long as we have a mathematical chance, we will hang in there,” he said.

Mbabane Highlanders’ coach Bongani Mhlongo acknowledged that the 0-0 draw against Mbabane Swallows in the derby hampered their chances, but they would still fight in their remaining matches. “We have to give it our best shot, but also realise that we are behind compared to the other teams,” he said.

share story