INGWENYAMA CUP FINAL: 'INGWE' ROYAL MILLIONAIRES

MBABANE – Royal Leopard have emphatically ended a three-season trophy drought, triumphing over Moneni Pirates in Sunday’s final and securing their first piece of silverware since 2022.

Edwin Matsebula’s charges, bolstered by the acquisition of players like Felix Badenhorst, demonstrated a steely determination throughout this year’s premier domestic football tournament. Their campaign has been nothing short of impressive, maintaining an unbeaten record across all competitions.

The star-studded squad delivered a commanding performance, preserving a clean sheet despite persistent threats from Moneni Pirates. However, the formidable defensive partnership of Gift Gamedze and Mlamuli Msibi provided an impenetrable barrier for Leopard from the opening whistle to the final whistle.

Ultimately, it was Leopard’s midfield maestro Junior ‘Shisa Gesi’ Magagula, who orchestrated the decisive moment, delivering a pin-point cross into the box, which was expertly met by substitute Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini.

Dlamini’s crucial goal, coming off the bench, secured Leopard their first Ingwenyama title, ending their prolonged trophy drought. Notably, Magagula’s influence was pivotal throughout the tournament, having also scored the solitary goal in the semi-final, propelling his team to the final and securing the E1 450 000 prize for champions.


Player of the Week

Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini
– Royal Leopard
The attacking midfielder, initially deployed as a substitute, made a decisive impact, capitalising on his astute observation of the match to net the crucial 52nd-minute goal.
His introduction formed part of a double substitution by Edwin Matsebula, who opted to rest captain Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini, a constant thorn in Moneni Pirates’ side. Shortly after entering the fray, ‘Thikithi’ connected with a precise cross from Junior Magagula’s corner kick.


Coach of the Week

Edwin Matsebula –
Royal Leopard
The experienced gaffer’s remarkable unbeaten run deserves considerable commendation, particularly given his team’s victories over formidable rivals Young Buffaloes and Green Mamba en route to the final against Moneni Pirates.
Furthermore, his meticulously organised side maintained an impeccable defensive record, conceding no goals throughout their Ingwenyama Cup campaign, underscoring his tactical acumen and the team’s robust structure.

Team of the week

1. Mlamuli Makhanya – Royal Leopard
2. Adam Konta – Royal Leopard
3. Mzwandile Mabelesa – Royal Leopard
4. Gift Gamedze – Royal Leopard
5. Mlamuli Msibi – Royal Leopard
6. Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini – Royal Leopard
7. Junior ‘Shisa Gesi’ Magagula – R. Leopard
8. Felix Badenhorst – Royal Leopard
9. Senanelo Nkambule – Moneni Pirates
10. Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini – R. Leopard
11. Mazwi Sihlongonyane – Moneni Pirates

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