BY NELIWE NGUBANE
LOBAMBA– With just hours to go before the highly anticipated Kingdom Celebrity Cup kicks off at Somhlolo Stadium on Saturday, Team KCC says it is fully prepared to entertain supporters and battle for victory against South Africa’s HipHop Football Club.
The Eswatini celebrity side, coached by Culolam “Melting C” Mbekezile Dlamini, has assembled a squad featuring some of the country’s biggest entertainers, including captain Young Zesh, Sancheziey, Mnqobi Tsabedze, Aya City, Dr Shakes, Fantasy, Lyrikal Busta, Gogo Eswatini, DJ 1D and many more.
Adding experience to the technical bench is former Sihlangu Semnikati attacking midfielder Felix Badenhorst, who has been appointed Technical Coach. The team will also take to the field in kits supplied through a partnership with Diski Bet, while Parmalat is among the event’s sponsors.
Speaking ahead of the blockbuster encounter, Dlamini admitted the team has had to overcome unique challenges, as several celebrities had never played football together—and some had never played the sport at all.
“The team is in good shape with only a few injuries from key players, but all in all we are ready. The players have shown great commitment throughout our preparations. Everyone understands what’s at stake, and we’re ready to put on a great performance for the fans,” he said.
The coach explained that training focused on improving fitness, tactical awareness and, most importantly, building chemistry among players from different backgrounds.
“We’ve focused on fitness, team chemistry, tactical awareness and making sure everyone understands their roles. Since it’s a celebrity team, building cohesion has been just as important as improving our football.”
Coach Culolam also praised Badenhorst’s impact on the squad.
“Felix brings valuable football knowledge, experience and a fresh perspective. His presence has added confidence and professionalism to our setup, and the players have responded really well to his guidance.”
Keeping the mood light during preparations, the coach even joked in the team’s training WhatsApp group that the only players not allowed to get tired on matchday are the substitutes because they’ll still be sitting on the bench, drawing plenty of laughter from the squad ahead of the big clash.
Meanwhile, entertainer and MC Mnqobi Tsabedze said the team has been putting in the work both physically and mentally.
“We’ve had friendly matches to prepare for Saturday, and I’ve played in most of them to stay fit and understand my teammates better. This isn’t just about showing up because we’re celebrities; it’s about giving the fans a great football spectacle.”
Tsabedze said representing Eswatini is an honour and joked that Team KCC hopes to remind their South African opponents that crossing the border does not automatically mean taking the trophy home.
He also highlighted how celebrity football strengthens the bond between sport and entertainment.
“For many people, this will be the first time seeing their favourite musician or celebrity chasing a football instead of a microphone. Some might even discover their favourite artist should probably stick to music,” he laughed.
Looking ahead to the match, Tsabedze said he is excited to face Touchline and Lindough, whom he described as creative and exciting footballers.
He urged supporters to pack Somhlolo Stadium and create an unforgettable atmosphere.
“If I happen to score, please celebrate like Messi scored. If I don’t, let’s just agree my contribution was creating space for everyone else,” he joked.
While Culolam stopped short of guaranteeing victory, he promised supporters one thing.
“I can’t promise a win because football is unpredictable, but I can promise this team will give everything on the pitch, fight for every ball and do everything possible to make Eswatini proud.”
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(Courtesy Pic)
