Times Of Swaziland: ‘SMOOTHIES’ CUP-TIED

‘SMOOTHIES’ CUP-TIED
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Sports Reporter on 12/02/2025 09:31:00


MBABANE – Ezulwini United have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their
quarter-final clash against Royal Leopard. This setback arises from the fact
that Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini participated for his former team, Mbabane
Highlanders, in the Last 32 of the Ingwenyama Cup. Highlanders suffered a 1-2
defeat to National First Division side Lozitha Spurs on  January 19, 2025, a
match in which Dlamini had his penalty saved. Known as ‘Smoothies’, he
served as Captain at Highlanders and was a pivotal leader throughout many games.
However, Dlamini later rejoined Ezulwini United in a contentious transfer during
the January-February window, where Highlanders initially resisted his departure.
Unfortunately
After negotiations, it was ultimately agreed that he would join United.
Unfortunately, due to his participation with Highlanders in the first round,
Dlamini will be ineligible for the quarter-final clash against Royal Leopard.
“A player shall not be eligible to play for more than one club in this
competition,” reads Article 4.2 of the Ingwenyama Cup Rules and Regulations.
Despite this setback, United have secured the services of Junior Mazibuko, a
striker from Young Buffaloes, on a short-term loan that will expire at the end
of the season. Guy Magongo, United’s Public Relations Officer confirmed that
their trusted player is cup-tied.
Blow
“It’s a huge blow for us, and we were hoping to utilise him, only to learn
that he is cup-tied. We will miss his services, but we have equally capable
players who can fill his void. Buffaloes striker Junior Mazibuko has joined
us,” he stated. Magongo expressed confidence in the team’s preparations,
stating that they would go all out against Leopard, hopeful of advancing to the
next stage of the richly-sponsored tournament. In football, the term cup-tied
refers to a player who has participated in a knockout cup competition for one
club and is subsequently ineligible to play for another club in the same
competition during that season. This rule is designed to maintain the integrity
of the tournament by preventing teams from acquiring players mid-competition who
could potentially alter the outcome.
Participate
There are several major tournaments where players can get cup-tied. Players who
play in the Champions League in Europe for one club cannot participate in the
same tournament for another club in the same season.Various international
tournaments, such as the FA Cup in England; the Copa del Rey in Spain; and the
DFB-Pokal in Germany, also have cup-tied rules.
If a player appears in these competitions for one club, they cannot play for
another club in the same tournament during that season.