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COULD WANDERERS MISS OUT ON INGWENYAMA CUP?

By MELUSI MLOTSA | 2024-12-27

SOCCER - THE New Year fanfare will be meaningless to dormant hub giants Manzini Wanderers as they are set to miss out on the seventh edition of the richest tournament, the SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup.

This is due to the ongoing marathon case that began in May.
With a draw for the Last 32 to take place in the coming weeks, reports have emerged that the maroon and white outfit will not be part of the tournament as they are not registered with any league.

According to Ingwenyama Cup Rules and Regulations, Article 3.1, the competition shall be played by four teams from the regional associations Super League phase of the competition, 14 National First Division League teams and 14 Premier League clubs.

However, the uncertainty of non-participation of Wanderers this season could see 31 teams participating in the prestigious tournament.

PLE acting Chief Executive Officer Pat Vilakati could not confirm nor deny the reports.
“We don’t have much to say regarding this matter since it's pending in court. “We will fixture them once they are done with the case,” he said.

Manzini Wanderers MC Chairman Wellington Motsa could not be reached as he was reportedly out of the country. However, General Manager Jabulani Dlamini said it could be a fatal mistake to exclude Wanderers in the competition since they considered themselves a Premier League club.

“If they say they won’t include us as our matter is in court, that’s a big mistake. “Wanderers are not alone in court as there’s also Moneni Pirates, Denver Sundowns and even the PLE. Therefore, we must all take a backseat from the competition.

“Should they exclude us, we will definitely challenge them.
“Wanderers is the biggest club in the country that commands a huge following but seemingly, the people leading our football do not have the love of sport at heart.

“They don’t think for the sponsors who get mileage through the supporters. As things stand, no one will suffocate Manzini Wanderers.

“Our team returns to training next week to prepare for the Ingwenyama Cup and league,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wanderers matter is now with the Supreme Court.

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