MBABANE – The Ingwenyama Cup is fast becoming the theatre of security forces derbies, with the latest draw setting the stage for another high-stakes clash.
The Last 16 draw for the Itintile; Akudlalwa Kuyadlalwa edition, held yesterday at the packed Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) offices, produced a headline-grabbing fixture between holders Royal Leopard and Green Mamba. These are champions of the last two editions, respectively.
The two sides met at this exact stage last season, where the police outfit prevailed 1-0 on their way to claiming gold.
History favours Leopard; they also triumphed in the 2016 semi-finals with a 2-0 victory.
To date, the tournament has witnessed 10 security forces derbies, with Royal Leopard and Young Buffaloes holding the record for the most frequent encounters at six.
Beyond the forces clash, the draw produced a mouth-watering tie between Mbabane Highlanders and Nsingizini Hotspurs. This comes hot on the heels of a tense league meeting in Nhlangano, where Nsingizini stunned the two-time finalists 4-2. While Nsingizini seek their second quarter-final in three years, they are yet to break the Last Eight ceiling.
SMVAF Chief Executive Officer Khangeziwe Mabuza led guests during the proceedings, using the platform to pivot from football to road safety. The message was clear: Plan your routes, buckle up, avoid aggression and drop the mobile phone.
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