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INGWENYAMA CUP TRAINS PLAYERS FOR AFCON - KING

07/04/2025 08:47:00 Ashmond Nzima

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LOBAMBA – His Majesty King Mswati III has underlined the Ingwenyama Cup as a monumental platform that elegantly melds football with the cultural essence of Eswatini.

In a celebration that united communities and showcased the vibrant spirit of Eswatini, His Majesty King Mswati III graced the finals of the Ingwenyama Cup at the Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday. The tournament culminated in an electrifying match where Royal Leopard triumphed over Moneni Pirates with a narrow 1-0 victory, taking home the impressive E1.45 million prize. In a historic first, the young women’s teams also made their mark; Young Buffaloes Ladies dominated in their inaugural tournament, defeating Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies 5-1.

“This tournament is critical in ensuring that our nation continues to embrace and celebrate its identity,” he declared, reinforcing the importance of traditional values interwoven with modern athletic pursuits.

Reflecting on the tournament’s inception, the King explained that the vision behind the Ingwenyama Cup was to discover and nurture football and cultural talent from the grassroots level across the nation. “Through the Ingwenyama Cup, we train a team to compete in AFCON, World Cup and other forums,” he asserted, looking towards a future where Eswatini not only excels in football but continues to honour its rich heritage.

excitement

The atmosphere at Somhlolo was charged with excitement and anticipation, with enthusiastic supporters coming together to celebrate both sports and culture. Local communities filled the stadium, with families and youth waving flags and donning their team colours, embodying the unity and pride that the tournament fosters.

As Eswatini continues to embrace its national identity through sports, the comments of King Mswati III highlight the potential of the Ingwenyama Cup to cultivate talent, strengthen cultural bonds and elevate the nation’s presence on the international football stage. The tournament not only serves as a breeding ground for future stars but also as a reminder of the deep-rooted traditions that make Eswatini unique. The success of this year’s finals signals a promising future as the nation looks to harness the power of sport to unify and inspire generations to come.