Times Of Swaziland: BUCKLE UP FOR MAJESTIC FINALE

BUCKLE UP FOR MAJESTIC FINALE
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Ntombikayise Gwebu on 07/04/2024 16:53:00


MBABANE – In a highly-anticipated match, fireworks are expected when football
powerhouses clash for the fourth time this season in the Ingwenyama Cup finals
today.
Forces side and holders Green Mamba face off against three-time winners Mbabane
Swallows today at the iconic Somhlolo National Stadium. Their showdown marks the
last stage of Ingwenyama Cup sponsored by the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle
Accidents Fund (SMVAF) tournament. Gates open as early as 7am for vendors. A
memorable outing awaits the over 7 000 spectators as different festivities are
lined up to keep them entertained, including cultural competitions and social
games. Their Majesties are expected to grace the event. Despite uncertain
weather conditions, nothing will stop Eswatini’s renowned stadium from
witnessing the action as per Ingwenyama Cup Public Relations Officer (PRO)
Nkosilenhle ‘Makawosi’ Masuku. The last time these two teams met was on
January 27, 2024 playing a goalless draw in a league encounter.
Green Mamba come into the game with an upper hand over their rivals, having won
two matches out of three and scored 10 goals to one against Swallows this season
in all competitions.
Nevertheless, the Caleb Ngwenya-led team will come to the fixture with renewed
vigour, as they are determined to end their five-year trophy drought. To achieve
this, they must overcome an unpredictable Mamba team that has been inconsistent
of late in the league, suffering a defeat against relegation-threatened Moneni
Pirates in one match. Swallows, have been in top form, losing only once in the
league and consistently scoring goals throughout the tournament.
desire for revenge
Swallows enter the game with a desire for revenge after they were denied the
2023 Trade Fair by Mamba in a 6-0 massacre in September last year. Both teams
have aspirations of returning to continental football, as the winner of this
match will get a ticket to compete in the Confederation of African Football
(CAF) Confederation Cup. It is worth mentioning that Inyoka Eluhlazane will be
looking for a hattrick over Umkhonta KaShaka in the final, as the Ernest
Mavuso-coached side were winners in two cup finals. The Correctional Services
side beat Swallows in the then Castle Challenge Cup and in the PLE Trade Fair
Cup recently. Both teams possess a strong line-up of talented players, who will
be eager to secure victory in this massive clash. The impressive roster of
players on both sides will undoubtedly contribute to an intense and exciting
competition, as each team battle for supremacy.
Inyoka Eluhlazane will be looking to retain their title after defeating Mbabane
Highlanders 2-0 in the 2020 final. They face a challenging final match against
capital city giants Swallows who are well aware of their strengths and
weaknesses. Last time Mamba won this trophy, they were led by Ngwenya who is now
with the opposition. Meanwhile, Umkhonto KaShaka enters the game with some a key
player unavailable. Their forward Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst has been out of
action for a while. However, Swallows still possess a talented squad and the
match promises to be a thrilling contest with these two sides looking to prove a
point to each other.  Veteran forward Sandile Hlatjwako is expected to play
after he passed a late fitness test. Swallows depend on their left back Kwakhe
‘Stopper’ Thwala to ensure nothing goes past the defence.
finding loopholes
They further rely on their star and forward Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, who
seemingly has a great eye for finding loopholes and capitalising on them, among
other players. Their goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela will also be instrumental,
having recorded clean sheets in all games of the 2023/24 season tournament.
Mabonwa’hlonishwe, who are missing their influential attacking midfielder
Njabulo ‘Magwegwe’ Magagula boasts a full strength squad. Their defence is
headlined by seasoned player Banele ‘Makonese’ Dlamini. He is expected to
make a significant impact on the game. Ernest Mavuso’s team also features key
players and former ‘Birds’ stars such as Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, who
boasts six goals in the tournament and Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu. As both teams
battle in the Ingwenyama Cup final, fans can expect a thrilling display of
football from both teams.