Africa-Press – Eswatini. The 2023/24 SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup semi-finals saw over E555 000 being collected on the day.
The semi-finals pitted four clubs being Green Mamba, Young Buffaloes, Mbabane Swallows and Mbabane Highlanders.
Green Mamba were the first team to book a place in the finals after defeating Young Buffaloes 3-2, while Mbabane Swallows booted out their old foes Mbabane Highlanders 3-0.
The semi-finals were also watched by Ingwenyama Cup Board of Trustees Chairman Prince Hlangabeza, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima and other dignitaries.
Extrapolating from the amount, 11 000 spectators paid to watch the semi-finals in the fully-packed Somhlolo National Stadium. Each supporter paid E50 as entry fee.
Information gathered is that each of the four teams got slightly over E81 500 after deductions. The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) received 25 per cent of the amount, which is equivalent to E138 750 as administration fees.
Notably, there was also the stadium levy of 10 per cent, which amounted to E55 500. There were also deductions for referees in the region of more or less E5 000, cashiers and ball boys amongst other expenses also paid for by the clubs.
The share of the gate takings comes in the wake of the two Mbabane giants having written a letter to the PLE where they were requesting a share of 85 per cent, which could have amounted to E138 656 but they eventually got E81 500. However, their request was turned down.
Premier League of Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Makhanya said he was busy.
“I’m sorry I can’t take your calls. Today is a crazy day for me. My days have been crazy since the end of January,” he responded through WhatsApp.
Correctional Services side Green Mamba are defending champions of the tournament after defeating Mbabane Highlanders 2-0 in the previous finals.
Other previous winners are Mbabane Swallows, who won it three times, while Young Buffaloes were the champions in 2018.
Champions for the sixth edition will take home E1.4 million as first prize for the tournament that mixes culture and sport.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
