Times Of Swaziland: E2.3 MILLION FOR INGWE CHAMPS IF …

E2.3 MILLION FOR INGWE CHAMPS IF …
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Nimrod Hlophe on 30/01/2025 09:39:00


MBABANE –  It could rain more money for  the Ingwenyama Cup seventh edition
winners.  The competition, sponsored by the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents
Fund (SMVAF), already boasts a champion’s prize of E1.450 million. However,
the true highlight would be if the winners are also granted the opportunity to
represent Eswatini in the TotalEnergies Confederation Cup. The Confederation of
African Football (CAF) introduced a participation bonus last season for teams
entering the preliminary rounds of both the Confederation Cup and the Champions
League, amounting to approximately E900 000 (US$50 000).
This could potentially elevate the total earnings for the Ingwenyama Cup
champions to E2.350 million. With the EswatiniBank Cup now defunct, there is
currently no established route for a team to secure a spot in the CAF
Confederation Cup, which is the continent’s second-tier inter-club tournament.
indicated
The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) recently indicated that a decision would be
made in cases where the rules and regulations are ambiguous. Meanwhile, the
Eswatini Football Association (EFA) remains tight-lipped on the matter. The
Marketing and Communications Officer, Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe, stated that the
executive is expected to make a formal decision soon. It is also noteworthy that
last season, Green Mamba, despite not being particularly dominant, were selected
to represent Eswatini on the continental stage after clinching the Ingwenyama
Cup title. Furthermore, the MTN Premier League champions stand to gain E1.9
million, combining the E1 million championship prize with the continental
participation bonus. The eventual winners, unless the current frontrunners Royal
Leopard maintain their lead, will receive this amount. Royal Leopard, having
already triumphed in the first-round race, could also be in line for an
additional E100 000.