BY NTOKOZO MAGONGO
MBABANE – The battle lines are drawn.
The stage is set.
Two football giants, Green Mamba and Royal Leopard, are ready to ignite the Ingwenyama Cup in a derby that promises to be nothing short of electrifying.
Dubbed the “forces derby,” this clash isn’t just about advancing to the quarter-finals—it’s about pride, history, and redemption.
For Green Mamba, the defending champions, it’s an opportunity to reinforce their dominance, while for Royal Leopard, it’s a chance to shatter their Ingwenyama Cup misfortunes and rewrite the narrative.
Green Mamba coach Ernest Mavuso carries the weight of a team determined to defend their crown.
“There’s always pressure when you’re the defending champions, but we thrive under it,” Mavuso said, exuding confidence.
The stakes are even higher after their narrow loss to Royal Leopard in the MTN Premier League first-round showdown earlier this year, a match decided by penalties after a goalless draw.
Adding to Green Mamba’s motivation is the recent visit from His Majesty’s Correctional Services Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini. Her words of encouragement during their training session have ignited a sense of purpose within the squad. “Her support reminds us of the responsibility we carry. We’ll give everything to ensure we don’t disappoint,” Mavuso added.
Meanwhile, Royal Leopard coach Edwin Matsebula is quietly optimistic. Despite never tasting victory in the Ingwenyama Cup since taking the reins in 2018, Matsebula believes the tide is about to turn. “There’s no such thing as a permanent situation,” he stated. “We’re working hard to change our fortunes, and Saturday will be the day we start a new chapter.”
The teams will lock horns at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, headlining Saturday’s fixtures with a kickoff at 3:30 p.m. Fans can also catch the opening match of the doubleheader, featuring Illovo and Sisonkhe, starting at 1:00 p.m. Should the main event end in a draw, penalties will decide the winner—adding another layer of drama to an already tense encounter.
Supporters are expected to show up in droves, with tickets priced at E50 for the doubleheader. “We invite our fans to come and witness a spectacle,” said Mavuso. “This is not just a game—it’s a showcase of passion, skill, and the indomitable spirit of Eswatini football.”
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, one thing is certain: when Green Mamba and Royal Leopard collide, sparks will fly, and the Ingwenyama Cup will once again remind us why it’s the jewel of Eswatini’s football calendar.
