By Melusi Mlotsa | 2025-04-07

INGWEMABALABALA!
After two painful final defeats to Mbabane Swallows in previous editions, Royal Leopard struck gold on their third attempt, edging Moneni Pirates 1-0 in a tightly contested showdown at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday.

The victory marked a moment of redemption and history for the police side, which had been haunted by two previous heartbreaks. But yesterday, they buried their ghosts, thanks to a 54th-minute strike by Thokozani 'Thikithi' Dlamini that sent a sea of blue-clad supporters into rapturous celebrations.

His Majesty King Mswati III, flanked by high-profile dignitaries such as South African football legend Ephraim 'Jomo' Sono and business mogul Shawn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize, was among those who witnessed the crowning of the new kings of the prestigious tournament.

In a true cup final fashion, the game burst to life from the first whistle. Pirates, who had lost five of their last six encounters against Leopard, were desperate to rewrite history and they started brightly.

Just four minutes in, Ghanaian full-back Richard Ofosu whipped in a pinpoint cross that found Mazwi Sihlongonyane lurking unmarked inside the six-yard box, but the forward’s poor connection saw a golden opportunity go begging.

Leopard responded through the ever-dangerous Muzi ‘Mzoro’ Dlamini, whose long-range strike narrowly missed the target.
With both teams pushing for an opener, the first half was a tactical chess match tense, physical and peppered with moments of promise. But neither side could break the deadlock, heading into the tunnel with the scoreboard still blank.

It was Caleb Ngwenya’s charges who returned from the break with renewed intent. Pirates had early chances to draw first blood, but once again they failed to convert, with Ofosu’s stinging effort parried away by Leopard keeper Mlamuli Makhanya. Then came the moment that changed everything.

In the 54th minute, a well-delivered corner kick from Junior Magagula found its way to Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini who had only recently entered the fray. With ice in his veins, Dlamini volleyed home from close range to give Leopard the lead and send their fans into euphoric delirium.

It was a moment worthy of a final goal that not only decided the match, but rewrote the narrative for a club that had been so close, yet so far, on two previous occasions.
With the advantage in hand, Royal Leopard tightened their grip on the game, controlling possession and frustrating Pirates’ attempts to claw back. The Buccaneers huffed and puffed but failed to find the final spark to blow the house down.

In the end, the police side stood firm. And when the referee blew the final whistle, Leopard’s players collapsed to the turf, others leaping in joy as the long wait was over.
Not only did they secure their maiden Ingwenyama Cup title, but they also walked away E1.45 million richer and earned a golden ticket to represent the kingdom in the Total Energies Confederations Cup continental competition.

For a team that had twice stood on the edge of glory only to fall short, yesterday’s triumph was more than just a win, it was vindication. It was about finally finishing the story, rewriting it with triumph instead of torment.
This was not just a cup final. It was a coronation, and fittingly, Royal Leopard now wear the crown.

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