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KING TO GIVE DIRECTIVE ON CUP PRESENTATION

27/04/2020 00:30:00 BY THEMBA ZWANE

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MBABANE – His Majesty the King will give the directive on Ingwenyama Cup presentation. This is the richest knockout soccer tournament in the land, which is the brainchild of the Monarch and incorporates culture.

After the outbreak of the novel COVID -19 (coronavirus), all gatherings and sports activities were put on hold by government after recommendation from the World Health Organisation (WHO) which gave birth to the newly-enacted Coronavirus (COVID-19) Regulations 2020.

There has been uncertainty then on what will happen to the Ingwenyama Cup presentation as Green Mamba, who were crowned champions after beating Mbabane Highlanders 2-0 and other winners of the competition, had to be presented yet government banned gatherings of people, limiting the number to 20 in cases where it is highly necessary. EFA Executive Member and Ingwenyama Cup Management Committee (MC) Chairman Johannes ‘Ace’ Siboza crushed rumours that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, teams might get their prizes without holding the ceremony.

Initiator

“The King is the initiator of the tournament, we will await for a directive from him as it is his brainchild,” said the chairman.
He added that the executive committee would report to the board and in turn, the board would relay the message to the King for him to give direction.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious health issue that poses great danger to the nation, it will not be possible then to gather for a presentation ceremony for now until the situation has been put under control,” he said.

The chairman added that it was not done to just give money to winning teams and individuals but the presentation ceremony was necessary even for the sponsor – Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) to showcase their products and services.
Siboza also indicated that he was junior in as far as these matters were concerned, stating that he was also advised on what to do in such circumstances.

Meanwhile, in a previous interview, the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chief Operations Officer (COO) Pat Vilakati also disputed allegations that the prize giving ceremony might be called off and teams would be given their share of prizes without hosting the event. “I am not aware of any decision that the prize presentation ceremony will be cancelled. If that would be the case, where will the excelling teams get recognition and be presented,” asked Vilakati rhetorically.

He added that as far as he was concerned, all activities related to football matters were temporarily put on hold, the prize presentation ceremony included.
“The decision to cancel the prize presentation ceremony has not been taken and all that I am aware of is the fact that the government has put in place prevention guidelines against the spread of the coronavirus which is why the prize giving event has been delayed,” said the COO.