OVER E1.4M FOR CHAMPS

MBABANE – New tournament, bigger purse. It is game on in the seventh edition of the Ingwenyama Cup, which boasts an increased sponsorship of E5 million. This increase in sponsorship has also elevated the championship prize to E1.45 million, compared to last year’s E1.4 million. Additionally, the runners-up prize has been raised to E650 000 from E530 000 last season, as noted by the tournament’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Lenhle Masuku. The regional champions will now receive E42 500, while the women champions will take home E20 000. A new addition to the prize breakdown is the Coach of the Tournament award, which includes a cash prize of E10 000.

increased

The increased package was announced during the first-round draw  that took place yesterday at the offices of the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF), located just about kilometre from the Mbabane central business district (CBD). The event was attended by Prince Bukhosi (SMVAF), who represented Their Majesties, as well as the fund’s Board Chairman Zithulele Gina, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane, Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Polycarp Dlamini, among other esteemed dignitaries. The draw saw the prominent teams Mbabane Swallows and Mbabane Highlanders matched against Ludzeludze Killers and Lozitha Spurs, respectively. As the Manzini Wanderers relegation situation remains unresolved in court, a position has been left vacant for them.

It was felt that including them in the draw would have posed a seeding challenge, given that their division is yet to be determined. Consequently, they have been designated as a standby team label. Sisonkhe’s opponents were said to be the unnamed standby team. Notably, Wanderers’ case is expected to be heard in court on February 10, long after the scheduled kick-off of the tournament. When reached for comment, the Wanderers’ Chairman of the management committee (MC), Jabulani Dlamini, expressed that they would take necessary steps. “Firstly, I feel they should have awaited the court’s judgement after February 10 and then allowed the tournament to proceed.”

participation

He indicated that their lack of participation in defining their division was reportedly the doing of the PLE. He also noted that Moneni Pirates and Denver Sundowns should have not been featured in the tournament, as they too are affected by the pending matter. Meanwhile, defending champions Green Mamba have been drawn against National First Division side Masundwini Royal Swallows. Mbabane Swallows Public Relations Officer (PRO) Knowledge ‘Bhambo’ Ngwenya stated that they believe it was a fair draw and that they have unfinished business. On the other hand, Ludzeludze Killers Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ndumiso Fakudze expressed confidence, stating they aim to upset Swallows.

challenging

Meanwhile, defending champion CEO Mandla Sibiyav noted that while the draw is challenging, victory is essential for title defence. Mbabane Highlanders Manager Makhosonkhe Gama remarked that he felt it was a fair draw. “We will prepare and compete wholeheartedly in the tournament. Despite our internal issues, we will draw motivation from that and remain hopeful of going all the way. You will recall that last year we fell short in the semi-finals against Mbabane Swallows; this year we intend to give our all.” Lastly, Ingwenyama Cup Secretary Pat Vilakati confirmed that action will commence this weekend, likely on Friday.

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