By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – Manzini Wanderers will feel like they would have won a trophy if they survive relegation in the MTN Premier League on Sunday.
This is according to their Coach Nyanga Hlophe. Wanderers need a win against rivals, Denver Sundowns, to survive the axe. Wanderers is second from the bottom of the log, with 21 points, while Sundowns is bottom with 17 points.
The match is billed for Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 1pm.
Hlophe likened the game against Sundowns as a cup final. Wanderers have gone for almost two decades without winning an official trophy.
Denver Sundowns also need a win to increase their chances of survival but they still have to rely on other teams results being Moneni Pirates who play Ezulwini United at Mayaluka Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 1pm.
Hlophe said they will be all out on Sunday to win the match. He said he can not blame the players for the poor performance throughout the season but other factors outside the field of play.
“Players need to be motivated so they can perform. We worked hard for this match as we all want to see the team remaining in the premier league. We will be all out for the three point and we hope for the better,” he said.
Hlophe then called the Wanderers family to come together especially during this hard times. He said if they come together, then they will conquer.
He added that the players were good and they deserve to play for the club. He said if all was well in the club, they could be challenging for honours instead of fighting relegation.
Meanwhile, Denver Sundowns Coach Musa Manyatsi said he was saddened by media reports that they were already relegated while they still have survival chances. He said they were aware that it was now not up to them but their focus was on their game against Manzini Wanderers as they still have the chance of staying put in the elite league.
Week 26 MTN Premier League fixtures:
Sunday (May 19)
Somhlolo National Stadium:
M. Wanderers vs D. Sundowns 1pm
M. Swallows vs Y. Buffaloes 3pm
Mhlume Sports Ground:
R. Leopard vs Rangers 3pm
Mayaluka Stadium:
M. Pirates vs Ezulwini 1pm
Madlenya vs Nsingizini 3pm
Simunye Sports Ground:
M. Sea Birds vs Illovo 1pm
King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium:
M. Highlanders vs Green Mamba 3pm
MTN National First Division (Pending fixture)
Saturday (May 18)
Manzini Club:
Louis XIV vs Nyanyali 2:30pm
