By Melusi Mlotsa | 2022-08-12
SOCCER - BUCKLE Up!
After a two-year absence, football followers will be delighted to learn that the popular Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) Ingwenyama Cup is back in the football calendar.
This publication has reliably been informed that the return of the Ingwenyama Cup has already been confirmed with football authorities, including the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) and Premier League of Eswatini (PLE). The latest developments come at a time when football lovers were still coming to terms with the news that the hugely-followed EPTC Charity Cup has been put on hold indefinitely.
The Charity Cup has traditionally been the season-opening tournament in local football for years before taking the backseat for two seasons due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ingwenyama Cup, which will see 32 teams participating, will be officially launched after the resumption of the MTN Premier League at a date still to be confirmed after the PLE Annual General Meeting (AGM).
PLE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kenneth Makhanya confirmed the good news but quickly mentioned that the finer details were still to be communicated.
“The Ingwenyama Cup will return this season but the kick-off date has not yet been set,” the seasoned administrator said.
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The tournament that blends football with culture was last played in the 2019/20 season and Correctional Services outfit Green Mamba are the defending champions after defeating Mbabane Highlanders 2-0 in what was a pulsating final at a packed Somhlolo National Stadium.
Goals from Mcolisi Mkhontfo and Mthunzi ’Xavi’ Mkhontfo ensured that ‘Inyoka Eluhlazana,’ as Green Mamba are fondly known, clinched the title that carried a mouth-watering E1.4 million first prize while runners-up Highlanders took home E500 000.
Statistics show that the Mbabane giants twice lost in the finals of this tournament. In March 17, 2019 under the guidance of Zimbabwean coach, Saul Chaminuka, the ‘Black Bull’ lost 1-4 to Young Buffaloes in a final graced by His Majesty King Mswati III and former South Africa president Jacob Zuma.
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