BY MBONO MDLULI
Companies based in Eswatini should come together and support sporting and cultural initiatives.
This is a plea made by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini on his Facebook page yesterday (April 7, 2024). He had taken part in the finals of Ingwenyama Cup at Somhlolo National Stadium, which were attended by thousands of members of the public, who braved the wet and cold weather conditions to witness the unique blending of soccer and Eswatini culture.
The Premier described Ingwenyama Cup as another unique Eswatini product that continues to captivate the nation and watching world. He said it was pleasing to see thousands of Emaswati brave the rain to join in this day of celebration.
“I take this moment to congratulate all those who were crowned champions across football and culture categories today. I further commiserate all those who did not win. I also wish to thank all Emaswati who attended the finals for their good behaviour throughout the day,” said the Premier.
He said it was important that they should also thank Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF), commonly known as the MVA, who continue to support this hugely important national tournament. He continued to urge more companies and private sector partners to join hands with them in supporting the development of sports, culture, and the arts in our Kingdom.
The Prime Minister promised that His Majesty’s Government would upscale efforts to support sports, culture, and the arts to ensure that the country’s youth, in particular, could create decent and sustainable livelihoods through these sectors.
This was the sixth edition of the Ingwenyama Cup and it was won by His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) side, Green Mamba Football Club, which won 1-0 over Mbabane Swallows FC. The champions are set to get E1.4 million, with the runners up getting E550 000. The tournament started in 2016 and has been won by Mbabane Swallows for 2016 up to 2018.
This makes Mbabane Swallows to be the most dominant team in this tournament, having won it three times. In 2019, Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEFD) side Young Buffaloes won the tournament, with Green Mamba winning it in 2020, making this team to the second most dominant side in this tornament. The tournament had to be put on hold in 2021, 22, and 23 due to COVID-19 outbreak.
