Swazi Observer

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EPTC, PLE MEET OVER CHARITY CUP

By Melusi Mlotsa | 2020-08-12

SOCCER - ESWATINI Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) has already met with the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) regarding the Charity Cup’s fate.

The EswatiniTelecom Charity Cup spectacular is an initiative by EPTC that generates funds geared towards assisting the less privileged in all communities around the country. The season’s opener is a one-day tournament usually played at the Somhlolo National Stadium. EPTC Corporate Affairs Manager Nqobile Magagula yesterday confirmed that they had already met with the PLE. "Yes, we met with PLE and they promised to update us when government allows football to resume. We will then take it from there and see what we can do,” she said. Magagula also acknowledged that the PLE had challenges of finishing the remaining games of the MTN league and EswatiniBank Cup. "I am sure once they are done with these pending tournaments, they will give us a date for the Charity Cup,” she added.

The spectacular season’s opener tournament saw capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders taking home E1.1 million last year in August, ending their eight-year trophy drought. Two goals from South Africa-born deadlocked striker Josef Lekata and winger Phumlani Ngwenya were enough for the ‘Black Bull’ to beat hug giants Manzini Wanderers in the finals. The maroon and white outfit took home E550 000 for being runner- ups of the prestigious tournament themed 'Yami Nawe, Siphakeme futsi’. PLE COO Pat Vilakati said football activities were still suspended to make a comment. “We will give an update when government gives us the green light to resume football,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mbabane Highlanders Communications Officer Paul ‘Magidzeludzakeni' Masilela said they were ready to defend the tournament. "Had it not been for the COVID-19, we could have defended the tournament by now. However, we are still hopeful that the Charity Cup will be staged some day,” he said.

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