BY TIYANDZA SIBANYONI
MANZINI – The Trade Fair Cup 2023 has come to an end, and Green Mamba FC has emerged as the new champions after overpowering Mbabane Swallows with a crushing 6-0 scoreline in a thrilling encounter at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday, September 10th.
The atmosphere was electrifying, with both teams evenly matched and determined to win the coveted trophy. However, the tide turned in favour of Green Mamba FC when Mbabane Swallows forward, Sandile Hlatjwako, was sent off for a nasty foul on Peter Dlamini in the 25th minute, reducing the team to ten players.
Green Mamba FC’s Yenzokuhle Khumalo and Njabulo Tfwala then rose to the occasion, scoring hat tricks and ensuring that the championship trophy was theirs to cherish.
(Pics sourced from Eswatini Soccer Mag)
Despite a valiant effort by Mbabane Swallows goalie Qiniso Nyawo, it simply wasn’t enough to prevent Green Mamba from unleashing a spectacular performance. Two from Green Mamba were awarded the grand prize for the tournament, with Njabulo Tfwala named Player of the Series and Top Goal Scorer. He shared the latter prize with Njabulo Maziya, a player from Young Buffaloes.
Green Mamba’s head coach, Ernest Mavuso, was also recognised for his outstanding work throughout the tournament and awarded the title of Best Coach.
Mbabane Swallows were crowned runners-up and took home the silver medals and E150 000 prize money, while Young Buffaloes were awarded bronze medals and E50 000 for finishing in third place. Additionally, Mbabane Swallows goalie was crowned as the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper and received E3000.
The Eswatini Trade Fair Cup 2023 consisted of 14 premier league teams of the country and was played from the 3rd to the 10th of September 2023.
