Times Of Swaziland: WE NEED TO GIVE THEM A TROPHY – ‘BEYOND 2000’

WE NEED TO GIVE THEM A TROPHY – ‘BEYOND 2000’
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Nimrod Hlophe on 07/04/2024 16:33:00


MBABANE – “The supporters deserve this trophy.”
These were the words of Mbabane Swallows Governor Sandile ‘Beyond 2000’
Zwane ahead of the much-anticipated Ingwenyama Cup Finals against defending
champions Green Mamba today. Zwane said the trophy would be a great gift for
their loyalists who stood with them throughout the years. The governor disclosed
that it required patience and trust for the city giants to come so close to
ending their trophy drought. According to ‘Beyond 2000’, those who were owed
the trophy include the club President, Archbishop Bheki Lukhele, the elders,
sponsors, and supporters who have patiently waited for such a time to arrive.
The ‘Birds’ sponsors include Eclipse Investment, aQuellé Viv as well as
partners, Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA), and Upper Interiors.
“We need to give a trophy to all the people who have trusted and supported us.
We respect Green Mamba and we know that football is unpredictable, but we pray
that it favours us as we feel indebted to reward the president, elders,
supporters, and everyone who has trusted us this far,” Zwane said.
won a major trophy
The ‘Birds’ last won a major trophy in August 2018, when they edged Royal
Leopard 2-1 in the finals to claim the Swazi Telecom Charity Cup. Since then, it
has been a struggle to win major tournaments, except for three preseason
tournaments.  “It’s a cup final; history and statistics may not matter, but
we’re channelling our anger from what Green Mamba did at the start of the
season. Preparations are ongoing until the first whistle on Sunday, and we’re
preparing with until to the teeth,” said the former ‘Birds’ goalkeeper. He
assured that spectators would be entertained with good football on the day and
highlighted that the ‘player number 12’ will be a significant factor.
Regarding possible incentives for the players, he mentioned that they had their
own culture, which the players were aware of. He also noted that a win would be
significant for their return to African inter-club competitions.
Meanwhile, His Majesty’s Correctional Service Commissioner General (COMGEN)
Phindile Dlamini said their goal was to win it again. Dlamini shared her
excitement about the achievements of the Ernest Mavuso-led troops. “We need a
win in this tournament, and it won’t be the first time we have achieved this.
The spirit is high among the players ahead of the game, and they’re promising
to bring us great joy,” said Dlamini. When asked about the secret to the
Matsapha-based side’s success, the COMGEN emphasised that nothing surpassed
passion and dedication.
“As a former netball player, I understand that nothing can defeat athletes if
they love what they do and support it with commitment. No matter what challenges
may come along the way, you’re covered. This makes our job of supporting them
to achieve the desired outcome easier,” Dlamini said. She was cagy to comment
on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inter-club competitions, stating
they will wait until after the match to plan the next steps. She also praised
all stakeholders who had ensured the team’s progress this far.