Africa-Press – Eswatini. The much-anticipated Ingwenyama Cup draw has finally concluded, revealing an equitable distribution for the remaining eight teams.
Renowned Capital City powerhouses, Mbabane Swallows and Mbabane Highlanders, have both been handed a fair draw in the Ingwenyama Cup quarter-finals. The ceremonious draw, held at Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF), saw the three-time champions (2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18), Swallows, pitted against a National First Division (NFD) side for the third consecutive time, since the last 32. They will face-off against Pigg’s Peak Rangers. In the last 32 and last 16, they triumphed over Lozitha Spurs and Tambankulu Celtics, respectively. Remarkably, these encounter marks the first time Swallows will face this team, as they operate in different divisions. The ‘Birds’ soared to a resounding 3-0 victory against Lozitha in the first round, and subsequently eliminated Celtics with a slim 1-0 triumph in the Last 16.
On the other hand, the ‘Black Bull’ – two-time finalists (2018/19, 2019/20) – also find themselves embroiled in a clash against NFD sides in the first two, having vanquished Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows 2-0 in the Last 32. Their path to the quarter-finals was hard-earned, as they were victorious over another NFD side, Louis XIV, in a grueling penalty shootout. The black and white ensemble will now face off against an elite league side, Ezulwini United. Interestingly, these two teams are set to meet consecutively, with a league encounter scheduled for this weekend, followed by the clash for the coveted E1.4 million first prize in the quarter-finals next weekend.
defeated
Highlanders previously defeated United 3-1 on October 4, 2023, in the league. The outcome of this forthcoming showdown promises to be enthralling. Ezulwini themselves endured a nail-biting penalty shootout to secure their spot in the last eight, beating Seven Dreams. In the remaining matchups, Green Mamba, the reigning champions, and 2018/19 Young Buffaloes champions, face formidable opponents in Nsingizini Hotspurs and Madlenya, respectively. It will be intriguing to witness whether the two-time Momo Cup champions can advance to the semi-finals, as they confront the defending champions, Green Mamba, against whom they have suffered three league defeats over the past two seasons. Notably, they were defeated 4-0 in the first round, and experienced 1-0 and 3-1 losses last season.
capitalise
Madlenya, on the other hand, will be hoping to capitalise on their past two-season record against Buffaloes, as they have remained undefeated for the past 24 months. In the first round, Madlenya won with a 2-0 victory, and last season both rounds ended in a 1-all draw. Swallows PRO Knowledge ‘Bhambo’ Ngwenya, expressed satisfaction with the draw, emphasising that they consistently faced clubs from the league’s second-tier stage. He confidently stated that they were already anticipating their semi-final opponents, and they looked to beat rangers 1-0. Meanwhile, Rangers’ General Manager Patrick ‘Mpembe’ Dlamini alluded to their previous victory over Moneni Pirates, asserting that they would replicate their success against Swallows. He acknowledged the Swallows’ stature as a formidable team but cautioned that they wouls not show any reverence on the field of play.
readiness
Similarly, Ezulwini United’s PRO, Guy Magongo, expressed readiness for the clash against Highlanders, expressing a firm belief in their ability to advance to the next stage. Meanwhile, Highlanders PRO Kenneth Dlamini said it was a fair draw since they were an open book, playing in the elite league. He added that they would not allow Ezulwini to deny them from advancing to the next stage. Tournament PRO, Lenhle Masuku, announced that the matches will take place next weekend, extending an invitation to fans to witness the spectacle of beautiful football.
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