LOBAMBA – Manzini Central High School have paid a heavy price for eliminating Mpaka High School earlier this year as the tables were dramatically turned in the Eswatini Children’s Cup final today.
Central had edged Mpaka out 3-1 in the Manzini Region semi-finals of the Instacash Sports Games on June 13, 2026. But on today on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Somhlolo National Stadium, Mpaka exacted sweet revenge in the most thrilling fashion.
Central raced into a two-goal first-half lead courtesy of a brace from Manzini Wanderers striker Malwande Gwebu and looked in control. Yet Mpaka had other plans. The champions staged a stirring second-half fightback, with Red Rhinos marksman Ncamiso ‘Macembe’ Nkwanyama netting twice in the dying moments of the game to force the final into a penalty shoot-out. During the semi-final clash against Masundvwini High School, ‘Macembe’ who is also the MulaSport National First Division second top goal scorer grabbed a brace.
In the shootout, the tournament’s finest goalkeeper Sanele Mabuza produced heroics between the sticks, denying Central three times as Mpaka won 3-2. Wild celebrations erupted among the Mpaka pupils while Central pupils slipped quietly out of the stands, unwilling to watch their rivals lift the trophy and collect the E15 000 champion’s replica cheque.
The secret to Mpaka’s success lay in their clever game plan: They started with a lighter squad, before introducing their big-game players later, which was a switch Central struggled to handle as the tension mounted.
Mpaka will return next year to defend their crown. The tournament, organised by SOS Village Eswatini, is sponsored by Century Fashion and EasyBuy Stores for a period of three years.
On their road to the final, Mpaka saw off Masundwini High 3-1 while Central edged Swazi National High School 2-1.
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