We didn’t expect an open game – Ernest

MBABANE – Green Mamba gaffer Ernest Mavuso was surprised by how rookies Seven Dreams approached the MTN Premier League match against his star-studded side yesterday at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground.

The former Mbabane Highlanders mentor made these observations during the post-match interview after watching his side beat the rookies in the three goal thriller. “We didn’t anticipate an open game,” Mavuso said.

The Correctional side were taken back by the energy the Mankayane-based side showed to try matching them in every duel. The green and white side came to match day 20 to increase the deficit, as well as cement their pole spot on the standings.

Mavuso made sure to give Seven Dreams his recognition as he emphasised that on a good day, the Zwelibanzi ‘Botsotso’ Khoza’s side could cause problems for big teams. “We came prepared, whether the game was open or not, we knew exactly what we had come to do. The team reminded me before coming to the game that Seven Dreams was the game they had their focus on, anything after that would have to wait,” he said.

Meanwhile, the struggling Mankayane-based side Khoza said it was going to be tough for his team to beat the log leaders as they did not have adequate time to train ahead of the clash.

“Green Mamba is the most tactically advanced side I’ve watched in Eswatini. The fixtures we’ve had thus far have helped in a way. We’ve played majority if not all the big teams, now with the six games left we want to capitalise on the teams that are more or less on our level,” he said. Coach Khoza emphasised on the six games left and hoped to get at least 15 points from the remaining games to escape the drop zone.