BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE— After the success of his ride-sharing app Ridesly, local tech entrepreneur Sakhile Mamba (30) has unveiled his latest innovation: Crazy8s, a mobile gaming platform designed for Emaswati to turn their card and board game skills into real cash prizes.
The platform is already being hailed as a “multiplayer gaming revolution” for Eswatini, combining social entertainment with financial technology to create a uniquely local alternative to international gaming apps. Mamba’s vision aligns with the national drive to leverage technology for economic growth, creating opportunities for digital participation and income generation.
Crazy8s is headlined by the classic Crazy Eights card game but has expanded to include Draughts, catering to lovers of strategic board games. Unlike many digital platforms that pit users against algorithms, Crazy8s guarantees a pure human-to-human experience, ensuring players compete only against real people online. This commitment to authenticity provides fair play and genuine competition, free from bots or machine interference.
The platform’s integrated wallet system works seamlessly with MTN Mobile Money, reflecting a deep understanding of Eswatini’s financial landscape.
- Instant Deposits: Players can fund accounts using an 8-digit mobile money number starting with 76 or 78.
- Accessible Entry: Minimum deposits and withdrawals are set at just 01 SZL, making the platform inclusive.
- Full Transparency: The Wallet History feature allows users to track every transaction for complete financial oversight.
“The goal was to make the barrier to entry as low as possible,” Mamba explained. “By using MTN Mobile Money, we ensure that every Liswati with a cellphone can participate in this new digital economy.”
EARN WHILE YOU PLAY—OR EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T
Crazy8s features a robust referral program, allowing users to earn 1% commission on the total pot of every match their referrals play, regardless of the outcome. With quick matches lasting 2–3 minutes, the platform encourages consistent engagement and passive income.
For example, with 100 active players, the system could generate 2 000 matches per day, producing a daily commission of 400 SZL and a potential monthly earning of 12 000 SZL for a single active referrer.
Safety remains a priority. Crazy8s requires users to be 18 years or older and features a Free Practice mode for newcomers, allowing up to three free matches per day before engaging in real-money games.
Looking ahead, Mamba plans to introduce Chess and Casino games, expanding the platform’s entertainment offerings. With its combination of local payment integration, strategic gaming, and income-generating potential, Crazy8s is poised to become Eswatini’s leading digital entertainment hub.
The platform is now live and accessible at https://crazy8s.live
(Courtesy Pic)
