E1.45m MAJESTIC BATTLE

MBABANE – The hour of reckoning has arrived.

The Ingwenyama Cup final descends upon us, a majestic clash where E1.45 million and eternal bragging rights hang in the balance.

At Somhlolo National Stadium this afternoon, Royal Leopard and Moneni Pirates will lock horns in a battle as grand as the prize itself. Only one will etch their name into the annals of this coveted competition – and preparation, not pedigree, will crown the victor.

Neither Leopard nor Pirates have tasted glory in this tournament since its inception in 2015, making today’s showdown a tantalising prospect: a maiden triumph is guaranteed. The road to this regal finale has been a gauntlet of grit and guile.

Leopard clawed their way past defending champions Green Mamba, dispatched Ezulwini United, and tamed Young Buffaloes. Pirates weathered storms against Mbabane Swallows and Manzini Sea Birds to sail into uncharted waters. Whether by penalty lottery or a thumping cricket score, past heroics count for nought now – this is a one-off, where form books are tossed aside and history is rewritten.

Leopard stride into the final as the form horse, unbeaten since April 20, 2024 – a run that includes a 5-0 drubbing of Pirates in their recent league encounter. The police outfit have lorded it over their foes for three years, with Pirates’ last victory over them a distant memory – a 3-2 scalp on New Year’s Day 2022. Since then, Edwin Matsebula’s charges have held the whip’s hand, their recent 7-1 mauling of Ezulwini United a swaggering statement of intent. Five games, four wins and a draw – Leopard are purring.

Pirates, by contrast, have been a mixed bag. Two wins from their last five outings – both nervy penalty shootout triumphs in this cup – hardly scream dominance. A 4-2 league defeat to Young Buffaloes last time out exposed frailties, but the Buccaneers of Moneni arrive with wind in their sails: captain Menzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane, the tenacious Nkosinathi ‘Stina’ Shongwe and their towering Nigerian striker Aminu are back to bolster Caleb Ngwenya’s ranks. Belief courses through their veins. The stakes soar beyond the trophy. Players will be gunning for individual honours, with the top scorer award firmly in sight.

Goals

Young Buffaloes’ Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze leads with five goals, but Pirates’ Bi Zahi Herve Irie, with three and Leopard’s Lungelo Tsabedze, on two, are within striking distance. A moment of magic could tilt the golden boot race. The best goalkeeper gong is destined to land between the posts of this final: Leopard’s Mlamuli Makhanya, an impenetrable wall yet to concede in this seventh edition of the Ingwenyama Cup, faces Pirates’ Bernard Ayikwei, a household name after his heroics in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. Ayikwei’s crucial saves sank Sea Birds and Mbabane Swallows, cementing his clutch credentials.

The dugouts, too, are in the spotlight, with the Coach of the Tournament award up for grabs. Edwin Matsebula has orchestrated Leopard’s flawless campaign – not a goal conceded, every victory sealed within 90 minutes and a brand of beautiful football that’s left purists purring. Yet to lift the Ingwenyama Cup, a double triumph today would gild his legacy. Caleb Ngwenya, in his debut season with Pirates, has his own redemption arc to pen. Last term, he guided Mbabane Swallows to the final, only to fall 1-0 to Green Mamba. Now, steering Pirates to this stage, the moment of truth beckons – a first title and the coaching crown would be sweet vindication.

Leopard’s arsenal is an embarrassment of riches. Felix Badenhorst’s flair, Junior Magagula’s dynamism (fitness permitting), and the twin terrors Lungelo and Fanelo Tsabedze could unlock any defence. Add Bonginkosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini and the bustling Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini and Matsebula has a bench oozing quality.

Pirates counter with Mazwi Sihlongonyane’s craft, Ayikwei’s reflexes and the returning trio’s steel. The midfield duel – ‘Stina’ versus Junior or Thikithi – could be the fulcrum. Defensively, Leopard are a fortress, with Makhanya’s gloves unblemished, marshalled by Gift Gamedze and Simanga Masangane or Mzwandile Mabelesa. Pirates pin their hopes on ‘Magawugawu’ steadying the backline, but breaching Leopard’s iron curtain demands more than resilience. This isn’t just a match – it’s a tactical chessboard under the spotlight.

Both Matsebula and Ngwenya favour aggression laced with artistry, their sides schooled in carpet football that delights the purists. Expect fireworks, feints and a relentless pursuit of supremacy. For two teams unaccustomed to lifting this majestic trophy, destiny beckons – and for players and coaches alike, individual glory awaits. The whistle at 3pm will set the stage

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: