MANZINI – The battle for the 2025/26 Ingwenyama Cup ‘Golden Boot’ is officially in full swing.
Manzini Sea Birds enterprising attacker Philani Mkhonto has emerged as a powerhouse contender for the individual honour. A lucrative E10 000 prize is up for grabs for the tournament’s top sharpshooter in the competition sponsored by the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF). The quarter-final round produced a stunning hat-trick from Mkhonto, taking his tally to five goals. His clinical performance helped demolish Malanti Chiefs 3-0, successfully booking his side a spot in the semi-finals. The race remains tight as last season’s top marksman, Young Buffaloes’ Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze, has already signalled his intent to defend his crown. Gamedze, who claimed the title last year with five goals in just two matches, currently sits on two goals for this edition and remains a major threat as the tournament reaches the penultimate stage.
Several other contenders have seen their ambitions cut short. Malanti Chiefs forward Isaac Yeboah, who netted a brace to reach four goals following his earlier strike against Manzini Super League side Louis XIV, has officially bowed out of the tournament. Similarly, Mbabane Highlanders’ attacking midfielder Siyabonga Mkhonto was derailed after his side lost their fixture against Nsingizini Hotspurs in the boardroom.
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