INGWENYAMA CUP PREVIEW: LAST 32 IS LIKE THE BIBLE STORY OF DAVID VS GOLIATH

7
INGWENYAMA CUP PREVIEW: LAST 32 IS LIKE THE BIBLE STORY OF DAVID VS GOLIATH
INGWENYAMA CUP PREVIEW: LAST 32 IS LIKE THE BIBLE STORY OF DAVID VS GOLIATH

Africa-Press – Eswatini. The journey to the E1,450,000 first prize in the Ingwenyama Cup kicks off with elite teams facing first-division and regional teams, drawing parallels to the biblical story of David versus Goliath.

This is the country’s biggest tournament to date, made even more special by its integration of a cultural competition, set to commence at a later stage. The last 32 matches are scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday, with 15 games taking place across various venues nationwide.

Past Upsets

The tournament’s history has consistently delivered shocking upsets in the last 32 round. Notably, last year, Royal Leopard were eliminated by National First Division League side Tambankulu Celtics after a penalty shootout, following a 2-2 draw in regular time.

Key Fixtures to Watch

Defending champions Green Mamba, who defeated Mbabane Swallows 1-0 in last year’s final courtesy of Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa’s goal, will face National First Division League team Masundvwini Royal Swallows. This match will be played at Manzini Club at 3:30 PM, preceded by a 1:00 PM clash between Nsenga Comrades and Young Buffaloes. Admission for supporters is set at E50.

Mayaluka Stadium will host a double-header on Saturday, where Ubombo Flyers meet Royal Leopard at 1:00 PM, followed by Magwanyana facing Illovo in a Lubombo derby at 3:30 PM. Over at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, Shiselweni Super League side Nkwene Sundowns take on Premier League team Sidvwashini United at 1:00 PM, with All Nations hosting Rangers at 3:30 PM.

Other Saturday Highlights

Prince of Wales Sports Ground: Emajukujuku (Hhohho Super League) vs. Madlenya at 1:00 PM, followed by Amawele vs. Manzini Sea Birds at 3:30 PM.

Mkhuzweni Technical Centre: Pigg’s Peak Rangers face Malanti Chiefs in a Northern Hhohho derby at 1:00 PM, with Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows taking on Moneni Pirates at 3:30 PM.

Mhlume Stadium: CK Survivors vs. Denver Sundowns at 2:30 PM.

Tambankulu Stadium: Tambankulu Celtics vs. Ezulwini United, starting at 2:30 PM.

Sunday’s Grand Opening Fixtures

The grand opening of the E5 million Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF)-sponsored tournament will take place at Mavuso Sports Centre.

Ludzeludze Killers vs. Last year’s runners-up Mbabane Swallows at 1:30 PM.

Lozitha Spurs vs. Mbabane Highlanders at 4:00 PM.

At KaLanga Technical Centre, Red Rhinos will face Nsingizini Hotspurs at 3:00 PM.

Tournament Rules

At this stage, no extra time will be played. Matches ending in a draw after 90 minutes will proceed directly to penalties.

Full Fixtures:

Sunday, January 19, 2025:

Mavuso Sports Centre:

Killers vs. M. Swallows – 1:30 PM

Spurs vs. M. Highlanders – 4:00 PM

Saturday, January 18, 2025:

Manzini Club:

Comrades vs. Y. Buffaloes – 1:00 PM

R. Swallows vs. Green Mamba – 3:30 PM

Mayaluka Stadium:

Flyers vs. R. Leopard – 1:00 PM

Magwanyana vs. Illovo – 3:30 PM

KaLanga Technical Centre:

Red Rhinos vs. N. Hotspurs – 3:00 PM

King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium:

Sundowns vs. Sidvwashini – 1:00 PM

2. All Nations vs. Rangers – 3:30 PM

Tambankulu Stadium:

Celtics vs. Ezulwini United – 2:30 PM

Prince of Wales Sports Ground:

Emajukujuku vs. Madlenya – 1:00 PM

Amawele vs. M. Sea Birds – 3:30 PM

Mkhuzweni Technical Centre:

PPK Rangers vs. Malanti Chiefs – 1:00 PM

PPK Black Swallows vs. Moneni Pirates – 3:30 PM

Mhlume Stadium:

CK Survivors vs. D. Sundowns – 2:30 PM

For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here