Buffs record on the firing line
SATURDAY: YOUNG BUFFALOES VS GREEN MAMBA AT MHLUME STADIUM (3PM)
MBABANE – It is the last mile in the chance for honours in the Y’ello’ League.
It is three games to go in what has been a tough and entertaining season for supporters across the country. Headlining Week 24 is the blockbuster between second-placed Young Buffaloes and Green Mamba. The latter needs to win this blockbuster fixture on Saturday to be confirmed champions for the 2022/23 season with two games to spare. The Mandla ‘Stofu’ Dlamini-led Buffaloes are four points behind and are presented with an opportunity to close the gap on their rivals in the battle for the number one spot.
Green Mamba Coach Ernest Mavuso comes to the game knowing very well that the opponents boast a better head-tohead record. The Correctional Services outfit have failed to defeat Buffaloes in the last five meetings, which is equivalent to over 450 minutes of football. The last time the current log leaders got three points against Buffaloes was during the 2018/19 season, where they won 1-0 and Mavuso is presented with the opportunity to break the first round winners’ jinx. Buffaloes, who dropped points against Royal Leopard last Sunday will want to protect their incredible record and also close the gap to just a point going into the last two games in the league.
The sides have quality of stars at their disposal. The hosts will be hoping that players like Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, Njabulo Maziya, Sifiso Mazibuko and Ali Matse are switched on for the game, which is very important in determining where the league title will go.
Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu, Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo and Mxolisi ‘Kudus’ Mkhonto are expected to spearhead the Inyoka Eluhlazane’s attack. Below we zoom in on the players who might play a big influence on the crucial do or die title decider.
1. Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze (Buffaloes): The Buffaloes marksman who is currently on 12 league goals has been dropped from the box-to-box position in the army side and seems to be enjoying his new role. ‘Saviola’ is used to such games and will come into the game with the view of closing in on the top goalscorers’ chats leaders. After netting four goals in his last two games to take his tally for the season to 13, there is no better occasion to prove he is no flat-track bully than against the log leaders.
2. Njabulo Maziya (Buffaloes): The former Madlenya FC striker was signed this year with big expectations and although he has not been able to find the back of the net in the past four games for Amathole Ezinyathi, he will be a threat on Saturday. Maziya off the ball’s movements will give Green Mamba a tough time and will be looking to return back and challenge Felix Badenhorst for the top goalscorer accolade.
3. Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa (G.Mamba): With 12 league goals, the Eswatini international player is an ever present goal threat and will definitely command attention from the Buffaloes’ defence led by Siboniso ‘Sthobela’ Mamba. The former Mbabane Highlanders ‘hit man’ is the log leaders’ top scorer this season and will be aiming to rise to the occasion and win the league for the Correctional Services side with three games remaining.
4. Mxolisi ‘Kudos’ Mkhonto (G. Mam-ba): The stylish Green Mamba box-to-box midfielder has been one of the most consistent players in the league this season, scoring many crucial goals. ‘Kudos’, as he is fondly known, will go into the match full of confidence after inspiring his side to a 3-1 win over Moneni Pirates.