Swazi Observer

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IT'S HUB DERBY

By Sibusiso Masilela | 2019-05-16

SOCCER – THE traditional hub derby between Manzini Wanderers and Moneni Pirates will headline this 2019 Bible Society Cup as defending champions Wanderers face-off with newcomers Pirates.

This will be during the first semi-final of this year’s edition scheduled for June 15 at the Mavuso Sports Centre.

This follows a draw conducted yesterday morning during the launch of this year’s edition at the Royal Swazi Sun (Libandla Room).

2017 winners Manzini Sundowns have a date with debutant Mbabane Highlanders in the other semi-final match. As per the norm, soccer fans will have to produce a Siswati Bible at the gate in order to be part of the three-year-old soccer tournament.

Speaking after the draw, Wanderers captain Lwazi ‘Shana’ Maziya said they were looking forward to defending the title at the expense of their sworn rivals.

“We will do our level best to defend the title and we are not intimidated by Pirates whom we have faced on several occasions in the past. We invite our supporters to attend the tournament in their numbers and we promise not to disappoint them on the day,” he said.

On the other hand, Pirates skipper Menzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane declared their readiness against their opponents and further promised to give it their best shot on the day.

“This is a fair draw for us and we will make sure we beat Wanderers and go all the way to win the tournament.

support

Our supporters should come in their numbers to support the team,” he said. Sundowns captain Ndumiso ‘Sikhokho’ Shongwe said they had an upper hand over Highlanders in the tournament.

“We are a more experienced team in the tournament compared to our opponents Highlanders and that gives us an advantage over them. We will use the upcoming match to get our revenge against Highlanders as they recently beat us 3-0 in the league. We have to turn the tables around during the Bible Society Cup.”

Also making his remarks was Highlanders senior player Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Gamedze, who expressed his excitement at being part of the tournament.

“We are very happy to be part of the tournament and we will do our level best to make our supporters happy on the day. We urge the entire Mbabane Highlanders family to attend the games in their numbers and we won’t let them down,” he said.

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