Africa-Press – Eswatini. INGWENYAMA Cup organisers must be in a joyous mood after the country’s big clubs avoided each other, but there are still some mouth-watering fixtures to look forward to and a potential giant-killing act on the cards.
Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Football Manager Pat Vilakati was on hand to conduct the draw yesterday.
This follows a tricky draw for the forces teams, with army side Young Buffaloes picking giant-slayers Madlenya, while Correctional Services side Green Mamba have a date with knockout specialists Nsingizini Hotspurs.
In an earlier fixture, Madlenya defeated Young Buffaloes 2-0 in their previous match of the MTN Premier league, which makes the upcoming game one of grudges.
Pigg’s Peak Rangers are the only surviving side from the National First Division.
All the big teams have been drawn to play home fixtures.
It would seem everyone was happy that the big guns have avoided each other, judging from the atmosphere inside the boardroom.
Another exciting showpiece will be when on-form Nsingizini Hotspurs take on defending champions Green Mamba. The two sides’ last match saw Green Mamba winning the game with a score margin of four goals to nothing.
It will be another entertaining encounter when Mbabane Highlanders take on Ezulwini United.
The capital city side is more than prepared to fight to the bitter end but they will not have it easy against the opposition.
On the other hand, Mbabane Swallows, who are now under pressure to win a trophy, will host NFD side Pigg’s Peak Rangers.
Swallows have been drawn against NFD sides since the beginning of the tournament. Their journey started with Lozitha Hotspurs, followed by Tambakhulu Celtics and now it will be Rangers. The dates and the venues for the quarter-finals will be confirmed by the organisers at a later stage.
Minister pledges support to football
SOCCER – AMONG other sporting codes, football won’t be left out of Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima’s priorities as he executes his duties.
The minister emphasised on theis when making remarks during the Ingwenyama Cup Last 8 draw held at the SMVAF Headquarters yesterday. “Government will keep on supporting sports and culture in the country so that our children and generations to come can be able to showcase their God-given talents and make a living out of those,” said Nzima.
The minister highlighted that as a ministry, they were grateful to Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) for bringing such a tournament in the country, which is the first of its kind, where culture is blended with soccer. The minister pleaded with supporters and teams alike to continue displaying good behaviour, as that enhanced the beauty of the tournament.
“Ingwenyama Cup has been a perfect showpiece, where Emaswati fully showcase their talents, and for that we are grateful to SMVAF. We also know that already in this tournament, there are players from the regions and lower leagues who are scouted by Premier League clubs, which indeed fulfills the purpose of the Ingwenyama Cup.”
Lastly, the minister urged the nation to take proper precautions when using the roads to avoid accidents and loss of life, including those who had been involved in road accidents to make use of the SMVAF to get proper assistance.
Ingwenyama Cup quarter-finals draw:
Young Buffaloes vs Madlenya
Mbabane Highlanders vs Ezulwini United
Green Mamba vs Nsingizini Hotspurs
Mbabane Swallows vs Pigg’s peak Rangers
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
