adminNoel Muzambwa
THEREa��S been an influx of Zimbabwe-born soccer players in Swazi soccer in recent years but when the soccer calendar got underway last weekend that influx came down flat.
Some of the yesteryear names include Stanford Ncube, Hloniphani Ndebele, Talent Maphosa, Collin Nyambiya, Jacob Muzokomba, Master Masiku and Marshal Machazane.
Some of them like former Njube Sundowns midfielder, Ncube and former Highlanders junior Ndebele became stars winning accolades both collectively and individually.
But as the season got underway, there was no Charles Mutero nor Maphosa in Mbabane Swallows colours in the 1-1 draw against Young Buffaloes. Muteroa��s deal collapsed and he returned to Mochudi Centre Chiefs in Botswana.
Indications are that former Matshiyakwakhiwe defender, Maphosa could have been offloaded by Swallows and was eyeing a move to Mbabane Highlanders.
There was no Blessing Sande and Knowledge Jim for Red Lions as they soundly lost 0-4 to Manzini Sundowns nor was there Tinashe Chokore as they lost 1-4 to Mbabane Highlanders.
Even coaches have flocked to Swaziland in numbers. The late Benjamin Moyo, Phil Mbofana, Shephard Murape, Lloyd Mutasa, Julius Chakupewa, Tarisai Changara and Tavaka Gumbo have had a run in Swazi.
But this weekend there was only one Zimbabwe-born coach, Saul Chaminuka whose lads Matsapha United marked their maiden arrival in the MTN Premier League of Swaziland with a 2-0 win over former champions Royal Leopards.
This became the weekenda��s biggest upset.
Meanwhile, in the MTN National First Division, Ikabort Masochaa��s official debut as Mbabane Citizens coach had to be delayed from Saturday to Wednesday against Bad Boys. The match was initially set for Killarney Grounds in Piggs Peak but was called off at the 11th hour.
However, both teams arrived at the venue and later settled for a practice match before being rescheduled for Somhlolo National Stadium on Wednesday.
Action continues this weekend. .
derick.khumalo