MBABANE – Battle lines have been drawn.
If the atmosphere at the SMVAF offices yesterday was any indication, the Ingwenyama Cup Last 16 will be less of a football tournament and more of a series of high-octane reckonings.
The highlight of the draw is undoubtedly the collision between Mbabane Highlanders and Nsingizini Hotspurs—a match already dripping with animosity. Highlanders Communications Officer Sifiso ‘Zwide’ Nxumalo wasted no time in attributing their recent 4-2 league humiliation to the elements, firing a parting shot at their rivals.
“We welcome this draw,” Nxumalo stated, before adding a pointed caveat. “We are confident of winning as long as this game is staged at a playable pitch, unlike the waterlogged one this past weekend. Our tactical approach cannot succeed on such a pitch.”
Nsingizini’s Sibusiso ‘Mnotfo’ Dlamini seemed delighted to meet the giants again, dismissing the excuses and focusing on the hunt. “We have unfinished business with Highlanders,” Dlamini countered. “Our target is lifting this title for the first time. This is the biggest match of the Last 16.”
The drama didn’t stop with ‘Inkunz’emnyama’. Defending champions Royal Leopard find themselves in a historical loop against Green Mamba.
Leopard Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frank Hurube was blunt in his assessment, effectively declaring war on their opponents. “I am noticing we have played this stage with the same side previously… we will knock them out of this competition,” Hurube remarked.
However, Green Mamba CEO Ntuthuko Dlamini was quick to point out a haunting omen for the champions. Noting that they have eliminated Leopard in the past while Leopard were defending the crown, Dlamini warned: “Our fixture has an element of eliminating champions. We want revenge.”
*Full article available on Pressreader*
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