Africa-Press – Eswatini. A new trophy is on the cards for the PLE Trade Fair Cup 2023.
The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) is not deaf as the shout was too loud and clear about the trophy they used to launch the knockout tournament to be played during the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) 2023. They have listened as there was a public outcry over the trophy, which most labelled cheap and good enough for juniors or school teams at primary level. It has been reliably established that a new trophy fit for elite clubs has been ordered along with 35 medals and individual awards trophies.
“A new trophy, which is for the Trade Fair Cup, is on the way. The one we used in the launch was a stand-in only for that purpose due to time constraints. That trophy belonged to the under-17s as the PLE had a league of that age before the introduction of under-19s and 15s,” an impeccable source claimed.
Upon checking with the PLE, it turned out this was true as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kenneth Makhanya, did not respond. However, PLE Football Manager Pat Vilakati was also questioned about this. “I was away from the office at the time of the launch. The CEO would be ideal to respond on this one,” he said but did not deny the matter. Other PLE officials were sought after Makhanya and Vilakati but they could only confirm the developments on condition of anonymity.
“It’s true. It was only about the PLE rushing against time to launch so there was not enough time for fans and clubs to adjust after it had already been announced the tournament was off until next year. So, we had to use an available trophy otherwise the one for the Trade Fair Cup had been ordered only it had not arrived,” said the official.
Another also confirmed that the Trade Fair Cup would parade a different trophy altogether from what was seen during the launch at Sigwaca House last Friday. Meanwhile, the tournament was last staged over a decade ago and Mbabane Swallows were the last to win it.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
