MBABANE – Moneni Pirates and Nsingizini Hotspurs renew their rivalry after 50 days in a mouth-watering PLE Charity Cup semi-final on Sunday.
The two sides last met on September 19, when Pirates edged Hotspurs 1-0 in the MTN Premier League. Now, 50 days later, they meet again with a place in the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Charity Cup final at stake.
The draw was conducted yesterday at Sigwaca House, where the teams discovered their opponents. The finals will be played at Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday, with gates opening at 8am.
Mbabane Highlanders AM will face Ubombo Sugar at 9am, followed by the Nsingizini Hotspurs versus Moneni Pirates clash at 11am.
The National First Division (NFD) final between Lozitha Spurs and Nkwene Sundowns is scheduled for 1pm, while the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) final will kick off at 4pm.
Football fans will pay E50 at the gate to watch the action. The encounter offers Nsingizini an opportunity to settle the score after that league defeat, while Pirates will be eager to prove that their previous victory was no coincidence.
Interestingly, Moneni Pirates won the 8bet Trade Fair Cup, taking home E630 000 after beating Mbabane Highlanders. Their earlier meeting on April 4 ended in a 1-1 draw, underlining how closely-contested this rivalry has been.
In the nine encounters reflected in the historical records, Nsingizini have registered three victories against Pirates’ two, while four matches ended in draws. Nsingizini Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sibusiso Mnotfo Dlamini said they were happy with the draw and had wanted to face Pirates. He said the team was still disappointed by the September defeat and would be determined to make amends when the sides meet again.
Dlamini added that the team was prepared for the possibility of playing two matches on Sunday, depending on how the competition unfolded. He also thanked supporters who voted for the club, emphasising that the tournament was ultimately about supporting a good cause.
Pirates representative Mhlonishwa Motsa, speaking on behalf of club spokersperson Meluleki ‘Sluga’ Simelane, who is in Dakar, Senegal, said they welcomed the challenge.
He described Nsingizini as a big team whose strengths and weaknesses were familiar to Pirates, adding that they wanted to eliminate them and advance to the final.
The other semi-final will see Mbabane Highlanders AM take on Ubombo Sugar.
Highlanders booked their place in the Last Four after beating Mbabane Swallows 2-0 in the Charity Cup play-offs. Ubombo Sugar also progressed from the play-offs after overcoming Green Mamba to secure their semi-final place.
The Highlanders-Ubombo encounter presents another intriguing contest, with the ‘Black Bull’ looking to continue their pursuit of the trophy they last won in 2019. Highlanders defeated Manzini Wanderers 3-1 in that final.
Highlanders representative Sifiso ‘Zwide’ Ndwandwe thanked supporters for voting for the club and said the Charity Cup was a trophy they were determined to win. He urged the Highlanders faithful to turn out in numbers and rally behind the team.
Ubombo Sugar representative Jade Smith said the club had waited for an opportunity like this and called on supporters to come to the stadium, behave responsibly and accept the outcome of the matches.
The day will also feature the National First Division Charity Cup final between Lozitha Spurs and Nkwene Sundowns.
Lozitha representative Nkosinathi Lushaba said they were delighted to have reached the final and thanked the club director for the support. He welcomed the prospect of facing Nkwene, saying their positions on the league standings made for an interesting contest.
Sanele Nhlabatsi, representing Nkwene, thanked the team’s supporters and said playing as the away side would not change their approach. He urged fans to come in numbers.
The PLE Charity Cup champions will receive E400 000, with the runners-up taking home E200 000 while third and fourth-placed sides will receive E100 000 each.
PLE CHARITY CUP
Playing on Sunday
Somhlolo National Stadium
Highlanders AM vs Ubombo Sugar 9am
N. Hotspurs vs Moneni Pirates 11am
NFD Final:
Lozitha Spurs vs N. Sundowns 1pm
PLE Charity Final 4pm
Gates open at 8am. Entrance fee: E50
