OVER 10 STARS TO MISS INGWENYAMA CUP

MBABANE – Up to 11 players have been ruled out of the Ingwenyama Cup opening games due to suspensions.
These suspensions, including red cards accumulated in the most recent MTN Premier League matches, have sidelined key players just as the tournament begins, this weekend. Among those missing out are Mazwi Sihlongonyane and Phumlani Shongwe from Moneni Pirates, Sibonelo Sibandze of Young Buffaloes, as well as Siyabonga Magagula and Bandile Zwane from Ezulwini United. The suspensions follow strict enforcement of the rules outlined in Article 9.1 of the 2024/25 Ingwenyama Cup regulations, which state that players who receive red cards due to misconduct will be suspended from the next official match. “Players who are red carded shall be automatically suspended from participating in one immediate official match after being sent off and may further be liable to disciplinary action,” reads part of the regulations.

The duo from Moneni Pirates will sit out when their team face Black Swallows tomorrow in the tournament’s opening match at Mkhuzweni Stadium. Meanwhile, Buffaloes defender Sibandze will be absent when his side takes on Nsenga Comrades. Ezulwini United’s Magagula and Zwane will miss their match against Tambankulu Celtics tomorrow at Tambankulu Stadium. Adding to the rules of the Premier League and National First Division (NFD), any player who has accumulated yellow cards in previous tournaments will also miss out on this weekend’s games. According to Article 9.2 of the tournament rules, yellow cards from other competitions carry over, affecting players’ availability for the Ingwenyama Cup.

“Yellow cards accumulated in other tournaments shall have a bearing in this tournament or any other tournament organised under the auspices of the PLE and/or EFA,” the regulation clarifies. Several notable players from both the Premier League and NFD will be forced to watch from the sidelines due to yellow card suspensions. These include Mphumuzo Sangweni from Illovo, Ciniso Khumalo from Sisonkhe and Samkeliso Dlamini from Sidwashini United. NFD players who will miss the action are Musawenkhosi Sithole from All Nations, Siyabonga Jele of Malanti Chiefs and Bandile Nxumalo from Denver Sundowns. As the tournament kicks off with high expectations, these suspensions serve as a reminder of the fine line players must walk between aggressive play and discipline.

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