By Melusi Mlotsa | 2019-07-16

SOCCER – IN the latest twist of events, security forces teams in Young Buffaloes and Green Mamba are out of the 2019 Telecom Charity Cup.

The two teams were to play in the preliminary stages with Manzini Sea Birds and Royal Leopard but that will not be the case anymore,  instead Malanti Chiefs but Matsapha United have been roped in. Under the slogan, ‘Yami Nawe, Siphakeme Futsi’, the preliminary games will be played this coming weekend.

The news was announced by Eswatini Post Telecommunications Corporate Affairs Manager Nqobile Magagula yesterday during a press briefing held at Sigwaca House.

Magagula, who was accompanied by Premier League of Eswatini COO Pat Vilakati, said the latest developments were due to the fact that the two security forces teams (Buffaloes and Green Mamba) will be participating in the CAF competitions on August 11, where the Charity Cup finals will be played.

The two sides qualified for the regional tournament after winning the EswatiniBank Cup and MTN Premier League 2018/19, respectively.

Decision

Magagula said after much consideration, a decision was reached with the two teams due to the clash of dates. She said there would have been some inconvenience in the tournament if the two teams were to also participate in the Charity Cup. “Green Mamba and Young Buffaloes will be participating in CAF Cup games on August 11, so we have reached an agreement with both sides that they will not be part of the 2019 Telecom Charity Cup due to the clash of dates. We have replaced them with Malanti Chiefs and Matsapha United. The inclusion of the two teams was based on the MTN log standings,” she said.

Magagula further said the draw for the preliminary games would be conducted tomorrow at 9am at a venue yet to be announced. She said Somhlolo National Stadium would host the preliminary games on Saturday and kick off time is 9am. Entry fee is E30.

“On Friday there will be a trophy parade, starting from Manzini town and ending in Mbabane.  There will also be a trolley dash at Mbabane OK Store. We urge members of the public to support the initiative as there will be lot of prizes at stake,” she said. On another note, Magagula mentioned that EPTC would engage in community projects after the Telecom Charity Cup finals to be staged on August 11.

EPTC is targeting to make over E1 million during the Telecom Charity Cup.

 This was said by Charity Cup Organising Committee Chairman Dr Comfort Shongwe during a road show held at Ezulwini on Saturday.

Capital city giants Mbabane Swallows are the defending champions after they defeated their sworn rivals Mbabane Highlanders 2-1 last season.

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