FOOTBALL COMING HOME AFTER E3.4M INGWENYAMA CUP KNOCKOUT LAUNCH: NO VIOLENCE – KING

LOBAMBA – The much-awaited Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) Ingwenyama Cup is back with a bang after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tournament, which combines football and culture, was launched with a generous sponsorship of E4.650 million at Nkhanini, Lobamba yesterday. However, as the sixth edition was launched yesterday, fans and teams are warned that violence will not be expected. This is as per expectation from His Majesty King Mswati III.

The King’s representative and SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup Board Chairperson, Prince Hlangabeza, said this must be a peaceful football and cultural event. The football package is E3.4m. “The past five editions have been violence-free spectacles and it will be this one that will be spoiled if it can have any violence. I wonder where would you even get the courage from thereafter to return to your chiefdom and what would your chief say then?

“We shall recall that the COVID-19 pandemic hit us, which then pressed the pause button to the event, which proved to be the nation’s favourite. So, I have been instructed by Their Majesties that I come and tell the nation that the activities of SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup must begin and he shall wait for the date that he will be given so to meet the nation at the stadium,” the prince said.

The past five editions have seen Mbabane Swallows winning the first three editions with the last two being won by Young Buffaloes and Green Mamba respectively. On the other hand, Msumpe Manchester United has dominated the two regional showdowns. The tournament has over the years involved 106 teams from elite and regional leagues.

Competition

SMVAF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Myeni thanked Their Majesties for the return of the competition. He said the unique tournament will help them spearhead their services during the period of the tournament. He thanked emaSwati’s support and all stakeholders involved in the Ingwenyama Cup and promised that they would ensure the smooth running of the tournament that will make the nation proud.  He was also echoed by the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga, who also witnessed the rebirth of the tournament.

“The issue of stadium violence is sticking out like a sore thumb, and it is a big negative. Even His Majesty the King himself has expressed concern about the sporadic fights he always witnesses, particularly on the so-called ‘no-man’s land’, whenever he attends big football occasions at Somhlolo National Stadium. Please ensure that this tournament runs smoothly, and we want to witness top-shelf competition throughout, without any negative incidents.” Bulunga said.

However, it was a rebirth of hope with the competition returning as there was E650 000 increment. As usual, football went away with a lion’s share of E3.4 million, while culture had its share taken up from E1 million to E1.250 million this time around.

Notably, Ingwenyama Cup is sponsored in cycles of three years. It was inaugurated with E9 million sponsorship purse, which saw each edition worth E3 million. Meanwhile, the second cycle amounted to E12 million sponsorship package, which meant that each episode will be sponsored to the tune of E4 million. Notably, this year’s package is slightly higher by around E650 000. Meanwhile, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Vice President Steve Horton thanked all stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring the bounce back of the competition and announced the sponsorship package.

“With the draw still to be conducted and breakdown to be done, we request good behaviour for the tournament and good image. The total amount that will be played will be E3.4 million covering elite and regional teams,” Horton said briefly.

Chairperson of Culture Competitions Chief Sibonginkhosi announced that they got a share of E1.250 000 million. He said there would be soon rolling out registration of teams through Regional Administrators (RA) as of next week. After the registration closes, teams would then be given songs of the competition.

He also announced increased Emajaha and Lutsango champion prize from E50 000 to E75 000, while Sibhaca and Ingadla would pocket E50 000. An outstanding Imbongi will also get E25 000 cash prize. The defending champions is Correctional side Green Mamba, they defeated Mbabane Highlanders 2-0 in March 9, 2020 to walk to win E1.4m first prize. The finals of this edition are anticipated to be played in early March next year.

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