Times Of Swaziland: E5M INGWENYAMA CUP: BUCKLE UP FOR LAST 32

E5M INGWENYAMA CUP: BUCKLE UP FOR LAST 32
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Nimrod Hlophe on 10/01/2025 08:40:00


MBABANE – The road to Ingwenyama Cup glory is officially set to commence on
Monday, with the draws for the seventh edition of this prestigious tournament
scheduled to take place.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents
Fund (SMVAF)-sponsored showpiece, Nkosilenhle ‘Makawosi’ Masuku, confirmed
the date of the draws, following a management committee (MC) meeting held
yesterday. The draws will occur at the SMVA offices at 11am, during which three
separate draws will be conducted. The main draw will feature the last 32 teams,
including the reigning champions, Green Mamba. These teams will prepare to face
the unknown, as they embark on their quest for the coveted trophy, with details
of the prize yet to be unveiled. The inclusion of the four regional champions
adds a fresh dimension to the tournament, injecting a dose of unpredictability
into the competition.
These teams are Nkwene Sundowns from the Shiselweni Region, Manzini’s Nsenga
Comrades, Ubombo Flyers representing Lubombo, and Emajukujuku from the Hhohho
Region. Masuku stated that the rules and regulations of the tournament will
guide the draw procedure. He noted that, in previous editions, the draw would
see the 14  Premier League teams and the top two National First Division (NFD)
sides at the time of the draw being seeded. The remaining teams will then
benefit from a home game advantage, except when their match is part of the Grand
Opening fixture.  Meanwhile, Wanderers, who are yet to be allocated a division
following their pending court case, had previously expressed a desire to be
seeded. The ‘Weslians’ are claiming they are yet to relinquish their Premier
League status pending their ongoing relegation battle. Another draw expected on
the same day will pertain to the regional semi-finals, with the date yet to be
confirmed. In addition, Masuku announced that there will also be a draw for the
inaugural Eswatini National Women’s Football Ingwenyama Cup. From the E5
million purse allocated for this season’s edition, the women’s competition
will receive a sponsorship of E100 000. The competition is anticipated to kick
off on the weekend of January 17-19, 2025. In previous editions, the Ingwenyama
Cup culture competitions have typically commenced when the football tournament
reaches this crucial stage.