Times Of Swaziland: GOLIATHS FALL, DAVIDS DANCE

GOLIATHS FALL, DAVIDS DANCE
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Mengameli Mabuza on 21/01/2025 08:17:00


MBABANE – The seventh edition of the Ingwenyama Cup started on a high note,
which also saw big giants bowing out of the lucrative tournament.
The tournament boasts an increased sponsorship of E5 million. This increase in
sponsorship has also elevated the championship prize to E1.45 million, compared
to last year’s E1.4 million. Additionally, the runners-up prize has been
raised to E650 000 from E530 000 last season, as noted by the tournament’s
Public Relations Officer (PRO), Lenhle Masuku, recently. Nsingizini Hotspurs
were the first big casualty of the tournament after losing 2-1 against National
First Division (NFD) side Red Rhinos, while Mbabane Highlanders also lost 2-1
against Lozitha Spurs. Losing finalist Mbabane Swallows won 3-1 against
Ludzeludze Killers.
The defending champions Green Mamba narrowly won 1-0 against Masundvwini Royal
Swallows, while Young Buffaloes won 2-0 against Nsenga Comrades.
The biggest winners of the round included Rangers, who won 7-0 against All
Nations, and Moneni Pirates, who won 6-0 against Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows.
Coaches of the Week
Percy Shongwe (Red Rhinos), Senzo Khumalo (Lozitha Spurs)
The tacticians pulled off the biggest upset that will go down in the
tournament’s history books. With their youth teams, they were able to knock
out one of the tournament’s heavyweights.
Players of the Week
Musa Dlamini (Rangers), Bo Zahi Herve (M. Pirates), and Simiso Dlamini (Nkwene
Sundowns)
A hat-trick is an exalted feat in football, a testament to a player’s
individual brilliance and finishing ability. This season’s opening Ingwenyama
Cup has witnessed the brilliance of not one, but three prolific strikers, each
firing their way to hat-tricks and staking their claim as the tournament’s
leading marksmen.
Team of the Week
1. Bhekisisa Sikhondze (Lozitha Spurs)
2. Bonginkhosi Mavuso (Lozitha Spurs)
3. Kwakhe Thwala (Mbabane Swallows)
4. Ntsika Dlamini (Red Lions)
5. Malangeni Dlamini (Red Lions)
6. Khulekani Manana (Red Lions)
7. Zahi Herve (Moneni Pirates)
8. Teboho Dlamini (Red Lions)
9. Musa Dlamini (Rangers)
10. Lungelo Tsabedze (Royal Leopard)
11. Simiso Dlamini (Nkwene Sundowns)