By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The Trade Fair Cup is coming bigger and better after betting company, 8Bet sponsored the 2024 tournament with E2 million.
The sponsorship will continue for the next three years as it will increase with E500 000 each year. The 2025 edition will be E2.5 million while the 2026 tournament will be at E3 million. The deal between the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), Premier League of Eswatini and 8Bet was launched on Wednesday at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre.
Present during the launch and signing of the agreement were members of the Sports Portfolio Committee including Chairman Sifiso Shabalala, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane, Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Polycarp Dlamini, EIPA Members and 8Bet Management.
There are 16 teams to compete in the tournament being the 14 Premier League teams and Manzini Wanderers and Denver Sundowns who are facing the axe. The draw for the knockout tournament will be held on Friday at a venue yet to be announced.
EIPA Board Chairman Theo Hlophe acknowledged the partnership they have entered in with the other organisations. He said their common objective in to provide an environment that will nature and grew talent as part of the trade and exposition in Eswatini as the players display their individual and collective skills.
He then thanked 8Bet for partnering with them and said people to attend the Trade Fair will be entertained.
The Eswatini International Trade Fair starts on August 30 and end on September 8 at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre and the Mavuso Sports Centre.
Last year, the teams played for E1 million that was sponsored by the PLE and Correctional Service side Green Mamba were crowned the champions after beating Mbabane Swallows 6-0 in the finals.
