By Mbongeni Vilakati
MBABANE – The stage has been set for the last 16 fixtures of the highly anticipated Instacash School’s Soccer Tournament Last 16 stage.
The draw was conducted on Monday in the presence of the 16 schools where they were also presented with the full soccer kit they will be dressed in when playing the knockout stage of the tournament.
At a thrilling draw held in Instacash offices in Mbabane, teams were paired up for a series of intense matches that promise to deliver the kind of excitement that only football can bring. The Manzini region’s draw has set the stage for an intense showdown between Ngcoseni Central and Manzini Central, while St John Bosco High School will take on Mcozini High School. These games are scheduled for Manzini Club on Wednesday (June 5, 2024), with the finals later on that day.
On Thursday (June 6, 2024), in the Lubombo region, Ndzangu is set to face Big Bend, a team with a reputation for surprising their opponents with unorthodox strategies. Mpaka will go head-to-head with Lomahasha, where both teams will look to leverage their dynamic offensive plays to secure a spot in the next round in. Both winners from these games will clash in the regional final later at 2pm at Simunye Stadium.
In the Shiselweni region, Nkwene is set to compete against Evelyn Baring, while Ntjanini will face the winner between Our Lady Of Sorrow and Hluthi Central at King Sobhuza II Stadium on Friday (June 7, 2024). Both matches are expected to be fiercely contested, with regional pride on the line.
Meanwhile in the Hhohho region, the draw revealed a thrilling encounter between Mpofu and Ntfonjeni High School, two teams known for their tactical prowess and relentless spirit. Meanwhile, Elangeni will clash with Eric Rosenberg High School in what promises to be a battle of endurance and skill. These games will be played at Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Mkhuzweni Technical Centre, Buhleni.
The winner from the Lubombo and Manzini region will face off in semi-final one, while the champions from Shiselweni and Hhohho regions will go head-to-head in semi-final two. The dates and venues for these fixtures are yet to be announced, adding an extra layer of suspense to an already thrilling competition.
Dates
Manzini 05 June 2024 Manzini
Lubombo 06 June 2024 Simunye Stadium
Shiselweni 07 June 2024 King Sobhuza II Stadium
Hhohho 11 June 2024 Mkhuzweni Stadium
Top 16 Instacash School Sports Fixture
Elangeni vs Eric Rosenberg
Mpofu vs Ntfonjeni
Ndzangu vs Big Bend
Mpaka vs Lomahasha
Ngcoseni Central vs Manzini Central
St John Bosco vs Mcozini
Nkwene vs Evelyn Baring
Ntjanini vs Our Lady/Hluthi Central
Semi-finals:
Lubombo vs Shiselweni
Manzini vs Hhohho
