Africa-Press – Eswatini. It rained more goals in the latest edition of the Ingwenyama Cup, sponsored by Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF).
In fact, six more goals were scored as compared to the last edition, in the 2019/20 season, which was also won by Green Mamba. Throughout the five stages of the tournament that recently ended, this past Sunday; at least 90 goals were scored. This is a slight increase from the 2019/20 season, when 84 were fired. At least 51 goals were scored in the preliminary round, an increase of three goals compared to 48 that were scored previously. At this stage, Manzini-based outfit Denver Sundowns scored the highest after firing five past minnows Malahleni United from Swazi Trac Lubombo Super League. It is worth noting that the fifth edition saw capital city giants Swallows and National First Division side Malanti Chiefs scoring eight goals each against their opponents in Ludzeludze Brothers and Rangers, respectively.
Highest
This is the highest number of goals recorded between these two seasons. In the Last 16 stage, up to 21 goals were scored, which was a decrease of one goal as compared to the fifth edition. In this round, the army side secured the highest number of goals (seven), with target man Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze netting a hat-trick against Illovo. On another note, defending champions Green Mamba scored four unanswered goals, the highest previously. In addition, nine goals slid past goalies in the quarter-final stage. This is an increase of three goals, as six were scored previously. At this stage, ‘Birds’ scored the highest (four) against Pigg’s Peak Rangers. Furthermore, there were nine games that resulted in penalty shootouts this season. This suggests that four games were won on shootouts compared to the five played previously, as per statistics. Ingwenyama Cup Public Relations Officer (PRO) Nkosilenhle Masuku said the statistics showed that the standard was improving.
Edition
“Both players and supporters were just looking forward to the next edition of this tournament following a hiatus. So it would show with the players on the field and supporters in the stands. With the supporters who watched the final, despite unfavourable weather conditions, it shows that from where we are coming from, they were excited, and the standard had to go up,” Masuku said. With regard to his overall impression of the Ingwenyama Cup sixth edition, Masuku shared that everything went well. “The planning was proper, as it played in all four regions. The games were beautiful to watch. Every year, it reveals something different, new, and exciting. I think it was great, both on the football and cultural sides of things. The PROs of clubs and media deserve gratitude as they played a pivotal role in sharing information,” he added.
Meanwhile, Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Mark Carmichael shared the same sentiments. “This is encouraging to hear. Football in Eswatini is improving as evidenced by the statistics. Also, the increase in competitions under PLE has made a huge impact on the player’s levels of match fitness. We are happy as PLE to deliver on our mandate to improve football quality in the country,” he said.
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