'THIKITHI' TRANSPORTS LEOPARD TO GLORY

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

Leopard.....(0)1
‘Thikithi’ 52nd

Pirates....(0)0

LOBAMBA – The Somhlolo National Stadium, a cauldron of fervent passion, witnessed a footballing spectacle of epic proportions.

Royal Leopard clawed their way to the Ingwenyama Cup glory, beating a spirited Moneni Pirates in a pulsating final yesterday.

The stadium, bursting at the seams with over 10 000 roaring spectators, served as a stark reminder of the nation’s hunger for a world-class sporting infrastructure, a point underscored by government’s ambitious Programme of Action (POA).

His Majesty King Mswati III, alongside Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, graced the occasion, elevating the match beyond a mere sporting contest to a national celebration.

unite

The King’s address highlighted the tournament’s power to unite the nation and unearth burgeoning talent, a sentiment echoed by the star-studded guest list, which included South African luminaries Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize and the legendary Ephraim ‘Jomo’ Sono. The day began with a dominant display from Young Buffaloes Ladies, who swept aside Nsingizini Ladies 5-1 to claim the inaugural women’s Ingwenyama Cup title, pocketing E20 000.

The main event, however, crackled with anticipation. Royal Leopard, yearning for their first major silverware since their 2022 league triumph, faced a Moneni Pirates side desperate to end a trophy drought stretching back to 2015.

Leopard’s path to the final was a gauntlet, navigating past former champions Green Mamba and Young Buffaloes.

Moneni Pirates, powered by vociferous support, had overcome the formidable Mbabane Swallows in the semi-final.

The tactical battle unfolded with measured intensity.

Pirates, welcoming back the imposing Bernard Ayikwei in goal and the influential Menzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane were promising at first. Mazwi Sihlongonyane, however, squandered an early opportunity, blasting over the bar within three minutes.

Leopard, anchored by the reliable Mlamuli Makhanya and the ever-green Junior Magagula, sought to exploit the flanks, but found Pirates’ defence resolute.

The first-half, a chess match of strategic positioning, saw both sides probe without decisive penetration. The first-half, which saw a stoppage to attend to a faulty net after goalkeeper Bernard Ayikwei fell into it, ended goalless.

Leopard’s Coach Edwin Matsebula, sensing an opportunity, introduced the dynamic duo of Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini and Thembisa Shabangu after the restart, sacrificing imports Adama Konta and Djakine Djira.

While Pirates initially surged, it was ‘Thikithi’ who made an immediate impact, slotting home from a Junior Magagula corner in the 52nd minute, breaking the deadlock with a low shot that was fired past a forest of legs in the first-half.

mountain

Pirates, now facing a mountain to climb, threw caution to the wind. Sihlongonyane and Richard Ofosu squandered golden opportunities, and Makhanya produced a breathtaking double save to deny Senanelo Nkambule and Herve. Pirates Coach Caleb Ngwenya, who had tasted defeat in the final last year with Green Mamba, desperately sought a lifeline, introducing Mthokozisi ‘General’ Hlatshwako and Bandile Shongwe. However, a late chance for Hlatshwako went begging, his shot flying wide.

As the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted. Royal Leopard, worthy champions, secured the coveted E1.45 million prize and a place in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Cup. The King presented the victors with their trophy, a fitting end to a day of royal spectacle and footballing drama. Leopard’s pursuit of a double continues as they maintain their perch atop the league table, their roar echoing across the Eswatini footballing landscape.

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