Africa-Press – Eswatini. The celebrated Ingwenyama Cup returns with tasty ties.
After disruption caused by the advent of COVID-19 pandemic over three years ago, the top 32 sides knew their opponents during a Last 32 draw ,conducted before guests, led by Their Majesties’ Representative, Prince Bukhosi, at the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) Head Office in Mbabane yesterday. SMVAF forked out over E3.5 million to sponsor the football tournament, whose Patron is His Majesty King Mswati III. In the sixth edition of the tournament, which is known for the flawless blending of football and culture, again all 28 Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) clubs and four regional champions will battle it out for supremacy.
Explaining the draw procedure, PLE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kenneth Makhanya said all 14 Premier League sides and the top two teams in the National First Division (NFD), as per the current log standings would be seeded. Sidwashini United, who are currently trading under the Seven Dreams banner are the NFD log leaders, while the second spot will be occupied by either; Tambankulu Celtics or Malanti Chiefs depending on the latter’s pending game against Ubombo Flyers today.
Seeding
As a result, both Celtics and Malanti enjoyed seeding status yesterday. After all the formalities, holders Green Mamba were the first to know their opponents and they were paired against Shiselweni Ingwenyama Cup Regional champions Nyamane Classic. The ‘Big 3’ of Mbabane Swallows, Mbabane Highlanders and Manzini Wanderers, on the other hand, would all face NFD sides. Old foes Sisonke will stand in the way of Wanderers in a repeat of the first edition (2015/16) first round. It was back on December 6, 2015, at Somhlolo National Stadium when Sisonke caused a major upset when they forced a 2-all draw with Manzini Wanderers before prevailing 5-3 after penalties. Wanderers Management Committee (MC) Chairperson Berger Nxumalo assured that the team would approach the tournament with renewed vigour, stressing the disastrous league run would do little to deter their spirits.
The maroon and white outfit are currently trapped in the drop zone. “We want to go all out. “People have already ruled us out and that might work at our advantage. This is a shot at redemption,” said Nxumalo.Three-time champions Swallows face unpredictable NFD side Lozitha Spurs. The capital city giants’ Public Relations Officer Knowledge Ngwenya felt it was fair draw, stressing on the need to win it for the fourth time. Highlanders equally have tricky opponents in Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows. The sides last met on July 31, 2021, when Black Swallows were still campaigning in the Premier League and Highlanders suffered a 1-3 defeat.
“It is a fair draw but somehow tricky because they are a closed book. “Fine they have been to the Premier League before but it’s been a while since we last played them.
“I saw them in the MoMo Cup. They play good football and their boys have got the height.“Moreover, the so-called small teams have the potential of shocking the big guns worldwide, so we are not going to take them lightly especially because they have nothing to lose as they are not under pressure,” said Highlanders PRO Kenneth Dlamini.
Played
The opening round games, according to the PLE, will be played on the first weekend of next month. Previous winners Green Mamba walked away with E1.4 million. The new champions will also become E1.4 million richer. Runners-up will get E530 000. Also witnessing yesterday’s festivities were SMVAF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Myeni and football bigwigs who included PLE Chairperson Mark Carmichael,Football Manager Pat Vilakati as well as well as representatives from the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), sponsor and clubs, among others.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
