By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The 2024/ 25 Ingwenyama Cup will be bigger and better.
This comes after the launch of the tournament with increased sponsorship and new a package for women football. The tournament is sponsored to the tune of E5 million with an increased E500 000 from last year’s package.
This year’s edition will be unique as it will also feature the Women Football with their allocated package at E100 000. The annual tournament was officially launched on Wednesday at Nkhanini Offices in Lobamba.
His Majesty King Mswati III announced during the prize presentation or awards that the sponsorship package was to increase to E15 million to be spread over the next three years or seasons with each season taking E5 million.
The Ingwenyama Cup with its uniqueness also includes culture competitions being Sibhaca, Ummiso, Lacwebetelako, Lutsango and Timbongi among others. It also features regional tournament where teams from the regions being Hhohho, Lubombo, Shiselweni and Lubombo also compete.
Present during the launch yesterday included the tournament Chairman Prince Hlangabeza, Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) Chairman David Myeni, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Vice President Steve Horton, Competitions Committee Chairman Comfort Shongwe and Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Polycarp Dlamini among others.
Green Mamba is the defending champions of the tournament after beating Mbabane Swallows 1-0 in this year’s final played at Somhlolo National Stadium. The tournament will feature all the teams under the PLE including those from the National First Division.
