DREAM SEMI-FINALS

MBABANE – And then there were four. The quarter-finals of the E5 million-sponsored Ingwenyama Cup have concluded, and it is the tournament’s heavyweights that will battle it out in the semi-finals. This year’s competition is shaping up to be nothing short of spectacular, with all the favourites advancing and a thrilling climax on the horizon. Last Saturday at Mavuso Sports Centre, drama unfolded as Mbabane Swallows needed a late show to outlast the resilient Lozitha Spurs, finally sealing a 3-1 victory. Meanwhile, Moneni Pirates faced an even more nail-biting encounter, requiring the dreaded ‘lottery’ of penalties to edge past local rivals Manzini Sea Birds, winning 4-2 after penalties.

The semi-finals line-up was completed yesterday at a bustling Mayaluka Stadium in Big Bend, where the action was just as riveting. A dazzling performance from Phiwa ‘Silwabelwabe’ Dlamini saw Young Buffaloes cruise past fellow Premier League side Illovo with a staggering 5-1 score, showcasing their dominance without breaking a sweat. On the other hand, Leopard faced a much tougher challenge. They were forced to dig deep into their reserves of courage to overcome the unpredictable Ezulwini United by a lone Thembisa Shabangu strike, another match that highlighted the unpredictable nature of knockout football.

Among the remaining teams, two former champions standout: Mbabane Swallows, who have lifted the trophy three times and Young Buffaloes, the winners of 2019. Both are back in the Last Four after making it to the same stage last year, ready to recreate past glories. Leopard, runners-up in 2016 and 2018, can almost taste their first Ingwenyama Cup title, having maintained an unbeaten run in all competitions this season. On the other hand, Moneni Pirates will be looking to upset the odds as the only side yet to reach a final.

Performance

Their best performance to date came in 2020 when they reached the semi-finals, only to fall 1-2 to eventual winners Green Mamba. This year, they hope to emerge as dark horses, challenging the status quo. As the tournament approaches its climax, the stakes could not be higher. The winners will walk away with a lucrative E1.45 million, a prize that adds an extra layer of excitement to the already thrilling competition.

Meanwhile, the inaugural women’s knockout tournament is heating up, with Nsingizini Hotspurs making headlines by demolishing Mbekelweni Ladies 15-0 in the quarter-finals, setting a new scoring record. The tournament’s management committee is set to meet soon to decide on the dates and draw for the semi-finals.  As anticipation builds, football fans across the nation are eager to see which teams will rise to the occasion and etch their names into the history books of the Ingwenyama Cup, which is sponsored to the tune of E5 million by Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund. Get ready for the dream semi-finals!

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