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INGWENYAMA CUP: ‘BIRDS’ ’KEEPER FLIES CLOSER TO E10K PRIZE

13/02/2024 16:04:00 Mengameli Mabuza

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MBABANE – Mbabane Swallows goalkeeper Sandanezwe ‘Sanda’ Mathabela is currently the frontrunner in the race for the award of best goalkeeper in the Ingwenyama Cup.

The Swallows lanky goalkeeper has been in great form in the Ingwenyama Cup, maintaining an impressive clean sheet record in the three matches leading up to the semi-finals. This outstanding performance puts him in contention for the tournament’s prestigious goalkeeper award, which carries a cash prize of E10 000. The Mbabane giants started with a 3-0 victory over Lozitha Spurs in the Last 32. They proceeded to edge past Tambankulu Callies 1-0 in the Last 16. The quarter-final match played in the past weekend saw the Caleb Ngwenya side securing an impressive 4-0 win, setting the former Denver Sundown’s goalie in the prime position as the frontrunner for the award with three clean sheets under his belt.

Young Buffaloes goalkeeper Mlungisi Nxumalo and Green Mamba Xolani Gama appear to be a strong contender to challenge ‘Sanda’ for the best goalkeeper title in the Ingwenyama Cup. Both goalkeepers have been in exceptional form, leading their sides to impressive performances. The Swallows goalkeeper stated that his primary focus was on helping his team win the Ingwenyama Cup tournament, rather than personal accolades. Sandanezwe emphasised his commitment to the team’s success and downplayed the significance of individual awards.

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“I’m not even thinking about winning it, but rather helping the team to do well in the competition and the rest can follow,” he said. The last goalkeeper to win the award back in 2020 in the last edition was Green Mamba Thokozani Mkhulisi after he was instrumental in helping the Correctional Services side win the tournament ahead of Mbabane Highlanders. Goals from former player and Jwaneng Galaxy midfielder Mxolisi Mkhonto and Mthunzi ‘Xavier’ Mkhontfo were enough to clinch victory for the forces team that was coached by Caleb Ngwenya.