By Lwazi Dlamini
(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
Long after ‘Hurricane’ Denver Sundowns had swept across Manzini City leaving a trail of destruction in the maroon and white house of Wanderers, relegation fears became the main topic rather than the enthralling league title race.
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Even when Mbabane Highlanders had timidly lost ground on the title hunt with a 1-2 loss to revamped Royal Leopard, for many soccer enthusiasts, it was still Manzini Wanderers being pulverized 5-0 by a ruthless Denver Sundowns that dominated street talk, social media platforms and most probably dinner conversations.
Wanderers remains fourth from the bottom with 14 points in 18 games after 12 losses, four draws and four wins. Sunday’s 5-0 massacre was the worst defeat since Mbabane Swallows trashed the ‘Weslians’ 6-0 on April 23, 2016, at Somhlolo National Stadium.
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With eight games remaining now, the hub giants are starring relegation in the face for the first time since formation in 1957. They face a high-flying Mbabane Swallows spearheaded by their in-form striker Felix Badenhorst who has scored 16 goals in 16 games this season.
In the league title race, Green Mamba were the biggest winners as nearest challengers, Young Buffaloes dropped two points in the 1-all draw with bottom-loggers Seven Dreams on Saturday while Mbabane Swallows are now in second spot following the 3-1 win over Madlenya FC at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground.
MTN LEAGUE RESULTS (WEEK 18)
Played on Friday:
Green Mamba 2 Tambuti 1
Played on Saturday:
Mbabane Swallows 3 Madlenya 1
Seven Dreams 1 Young Buffaloes 1
Tambankulu Callies 1 Nsingizini Hotspurs 3
Played on Sunday:
Denver Sundowns 5 Manzini Wanderers 0
Mbabane Highlanders 1 Royal Leopard 2
Manzini Sea Birds 0 Moneni Pirates 0
