(At Nkhanini Offices)
LOBAMBA – The Ingwenyama SMVAF Cup semi-final draw has delivered a balanced yet fierce line-up, with former champions avoiding an early clash.
The eighth edition has reached a decisive stage, with the official semi-final battle lines drawn yesterday at Nkhanini Offices in Lobamba.
Notably, the usual clay pot was ‘dumped’ during the draw. The event attracted several high-profile figures, including Ingwenyama Cup Chairman Prince Hlangabeza, Culture Chairman in Bhekinkhosi Chief Prince Bonginkosi, Prince Bukhosi and Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) Chief Executive Officer Khangeziwe Mabuza.
Also present were SMVAF Corporate Executive and Controlling Officer Sam Mzileni, Ingwenyama Cup Football Management Committee (MC) Chairman Dr Comfort Shongwe, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Vice President Steve Horton and Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Polycarp ‘Phoseka’ Dlamini.
Eswatini’s flagship knockout competition, renowned for blending football with cultural heritage, carries a lucrative E1.45 million prize. A new champion will be crowned this season after holders Royal Leopard were eliminated by Green Mamba in the Last 16.
Inyok’eluhlazane have been drawn against familiar foes and surprise package Manzini Sea Birds, with the semi-finals scheduled for April 19 at a venue yet to be confirmed. The final is set for May 3, 2026, at Somhlolo National Stadium.
Notably, this marks the first time in recent years that the traditional forces sides have avoided each other at this stage, having previously met in either the Last 16 or semi-finals. Green Mamba and Sea Birds’ last encounter in the 2023/24 edition ended 1-1, with Green Mamba advancing 4-3 on penalties before going on to lift the trophy. They also met in the 2019/20 Last 16, where Green Mamba cruised to a 4-0 victory en route to another title. Reacting to the draw, Green Mamba Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ntuthuko Dlamini emphasised the unpredictability of knockout football.
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