Africa-Press – Eswatini. Happy New Year to all our readers.
In our first soccer analysis of the year, we explore the opportunities that lie ahead for the MTN Premier League players, to demonstrate their abilities, improve their performances, and have an impact on their teams. With the Ingwenyama Cup kicking off this weekend and the league resuming shortly thereafter, we take a closer look at some of the players who must seize the moment and deliver for their teams in order to achieve success in 2024.
Leon ‘Chuster’ Manyisa – Mbabane Swallows: The Umkhonto KaShaka midfielder came in with a wealth of potential, attracting attention even from teams abroad. His impressive performances earned him a move to FC Van in Europe (Armenia) and reportedly caught the eye of Spanish giants Real Madrid. However, since his return to Eswatini, the player has struggled to replicate his earlier success and has failed to establish himself as a key player for Mbabane Swallows. As the new year begins, he has the opportunity to rediscover his form and re-establish himself as a dominant force on the field. The midfielder should use this year to rekindle the form that made him a sought-after player during his time at Manzini Wanderers.
Lindani ‘Rio ‘Matsenjwa – Mbabane Highlanders: The midfielder joined Mbabane Highlanders in the 2018/2019 season, signing a reportedly lucrative contract for a player of his age at the time. However, his stint at the club has been challenging, as he has struggled to secure a regular starting position in the star-studded team led by Dumsani ‘DU’ Makhanya. ‘Rio’ has also been involved in conflicts with the club, including public fallout with director Ally Kgomongwe, that led to the player expressing a desire to leave. As the new year begins, ‘Rio’ has the opportunity to regain his confidence and demonstrate his value to the team, by fighting for a spot in the starting line-up. He must use this year to showcase the talent and potential that earned him a contract with Highlanders in the first place.
Langelihle ‘LD7’ Dlamini – Manzini Wanderers: The gifted left-footed player, fondly known as ‘LD7’ in the soccer fraternity, has tremendous potential, but has struggled to live up to expectations, since his breakout performance at Ikappa Ikappa. Despite his talent, ‘LD7’ has not yet secured a spot in the Eswatini national team or cemented a starting position at Manzini Wanderers or his former club Denver Sundowns. The talented Limkokwing University student, who has the challenging task of balancing his studies and soccer commitments, has the opportunity to showcase his abilities this year and help Manzini Wanderers avoid relegation. He must repay the faith shown in him by the struggling club and demonstrate the talent and potential that has made him a player to watch in the soccer scene.
Siwakhile ‘Swakis’ Shongwe – Mbabane Highlanders: The 2020 Ingwenyama Cup Regional Cup winner and player of the tournament for Msumpe Manchester United was signed by Mbabane Highlanders in 2020. He was seen as a major investment for the club. However, despite his impressive performances for his former club, the 21-year-old has struggled to secure regular playing time at Highlanders, often playing second fiddle to experienced players such as Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto, and Banele ‘Stiga’ Ndzabandzaba. This year, the youngster has the opportunity to showcase his skills and demonstrate the value he brings to the team, convincing the Highlanders technical bench that he deserves a place in the starting line-up. He must seize this opportunity to prove his worth and establish himself as a key player for the club.
Sinenkosi ‘China’ Dlamini –Nsingizini Hotspurs: The swift and dynamic former Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows winger has had an inconsistent year on the field, but finished strong by winning the MoMo Cup top goal scorer award and helping his team defend their title for the second consecutive year. Despite his talent, ‘China’ has struggled to secure a consistent starting position for ‘Insingiz Yezulu’, often competing for playing time with players such as Thubelihle Mavuso, Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza, and team captain Pius Baffour. In the new year, ‘China’ must use his impressive skills and scoring ability to establish himself as a key player for the team and become a consistent starter, contributing to the team’s success on the field.
Lindelwa Mngometulu –Madlenya: Lindelwa has been utilised primarily as a substitute by Coach William ‘ Baggio ‘ Gamedze, throughout the previous year, frequently coming off the bench to score crucial goals for the team. Despite his valuable contributions, the young player is yet to secure a regular starting position for his Lubombo-based team, which currently sits on third place on the league standings with 24 points, just three points behind leaders Green Mamba. Given his versatility on the field, Lindelwa must up his game this year and demonstrate his worth to the team through his performances, striving to secure a permanent spot in the starting line-up and contributing to the team’s success on the field.
Kelvin Kunene – Royal Leopard: The dynamic box-to-box and defensive midfielder for Ingwemabalabala made his MTN Premier League debut last year, thanks to the faith shown in him by the team’s Head Coach, Edwin Matsebula. When the experienced midfielder Mzwandile Mabelesa sustained an injury, he seized the opportunity to demonstrate his worth to the team. Unfortunately, he has been plagued by injuries, the most recent being a serious head collision during a match against Rangers at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium. With a wealth of talent in the midfield, including Sihlangu captain Sifiso Matse and Bongani ‘Ngci’ Ndzimandze, the midfielder must fight for his position in the team this year and contribute to their challenge for the league title.
Lihle Mnisi – Ezulwini United: Another talented player who has struggled to secure a regular starting position, is the left-footed midfielder. Despite his potential, he has been left out of the starting line-up for the Stingers, led by Mphumelelo Ngwenya. Two years after bursting onto the soccer scene, he has failed to reach the same heights and may benefit from a loan move to get more playing time. Nonetheless, he possesses the ability to fight for a spot in the team and make an impact on the field.
Sphesihle Nsimbini – Young Buffaloes: Nsimbini has had a solid but unspectacular season so far, often finding himself behind Sibonelo Sibandze in the team’s pecking order. Under the guidance of head Coach Mandla ‘Sitofu’ Dlamini,the former ‘Sea Robbers’ player is yet to replicate the form that caught the attention of big clubs in the past. In 2024, he will need to step up his game to earn more playing time and showcase his abilities to the fullest. With dedication and hard work, the defender has the potential to become a key player for Amathole Ezinyathi.
Mbongeni ‘Mshishi’ Magagula – Green Mamba: After joining Inyoka Eluhlazane at the start of the season, the former Moneni Pirates midfielder, who is known for his box-to-box style of play, has gradually been earning more playing time with the defending champions. However, competition for a starting spot is fierce, with established players like Mxolisi Mkhonto and Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu also vying for a place in the team. This year, Mshishi should make the most of his opportunities and showcase his skills to help the team win trophies. With his experience and determination, he has the potential to become a valuable asset for ‘Inyoka Eluhlazane’.
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