(At Mavuso Sports Centre)
MANZINI – Ready for the big stage!
The 8Bet Trade Fair Cup 2026 participants received a major boost at the Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday when the 16 Premier League teams were presented with football kits worth E200 000 provided by the sponsor.
The presentation ceremony was attended by Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) Chief Executive Officer Sibani Mngomezulu, Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Polycarp Dlamini alongside his executive committee and 8Bet Head of Marketing and Brand Officer Mnqobi Tsabedze.
Speaking during the presentation, Mngomezulu stated that the event was not merely about revealing 16 football kits, but rather unveiling 16 distinct identities.
“Every football supporter understands what a jersey represents. It carries the identity of a club, the pride of its players and the hopes of the supporters who stand behind it,” Mngomezulu said.
With the fixtures already announced and the matchup pairings set, the EIPA chief mentioned that the teams now had the colours they would carry onto the pitch, signalling that the talking stops and the football begins.
He further emphasised that EIPA’s ambition extends beyond the 90 minutes of play, noting that football transitions from just a game into a business when properly understood.
“When we begin to understand the business of football, the paradigm starts to shift. We begin to see clubs not only as teams, but as organisations and brands. We see supporters as communities and consumers, and we see tournaments as commercial platforms,” Mngomezulu added.
He highlighted the vast potential created when football, corporate Eswatini and social partners unite around a shared goal, explaining that EIPA aims to develop this ecosystem in a deliberate manner alongside partners such as 8Bet and the PLE.
Mngomezulu concluded by announcing another milestone: the introduction of the inaugural EITF Sports Indaba scheduled for September 4, 2026, where stakeholders will gather to engage specifically on soliciting sponsorships and partnerships in football.
Meanwhile, PLE Chairman Polycarp Dlamini expressed gratitude to the EIPA CEO for his instrumental role in securing the sponsorship, describing the event as a vital launchpad for local talent.
“This is a tournament that promotes our players before the start of the season. It is all about entertaining the fans and showing the supporters what our players have to offer,” Dlamini stated.
The PLE boss called on football lovers to turn out in large numbers, emphasising the broader economic impact of the competition.
“Let us entertain the supporters so they can fill up the Mavuso Sports Centre, which also allows vendors to make money to pay school fees,” he noted.
Dlamini clarified that the tournament is strictly aligned with the EIPA calendar, rather than being directed against any teams. He also revealed a major administrative boost after confirming that a new three-year deal had been signed to extend the tournament’s run through to 2031.
He concluded by urging both teams and supporters to embrace sportsmanship and accept match results on the pitch, expressing optimism for a thrilling and competitive tournament.
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