BY NTOKOZO MAGONGO
MBABANE – The stakes are higher than ever as this year’s Ingwenyama Cup winners are set to receive a grand prize of E1.45 million, while the runners-up will walk away with E650,000.
This announcement was made on Monday during the last 32 draw, where defending champions Green Mamba were paired with Masundvwini Royal Swallows. Green Mamba, who secured the title last year by edging Mbabane Swallows 1-0 in the final, now aim to defend their crown in the tournament’s seventh edition.
The prize for the champions reflects a modest increase of E50,000 from last year, when Green Mamba took home E1.4 million, with runners-up earning E600,000. This year’s competition also introduces a special incentive: a E10,000 award for the tournament’s best coach, a category previously without a monetary prize.
During the draw, Public Relations Officer Nkosilenhle ‘Makawosi’ Masuku outlined the prize structure, tournament rules, and regulations. The total prize package for this year’s edition amounts to E5.125 million, as announced by His Majesty King Mswati III. Of this, E3.925 million is allocated to the football tournament, while E1.2 million will support cultural competitions.
Teams from the Premier League will receive a participation fee of E10,000 each, while National First Division teams will get E5,000 each. Individual accolades include E15,000 for the Player of the Tournament, and E10,000 each for the top goal scorer, best goalkeeper, and referee team.
Prize Breakdown:
Team Awards
- Champions: E1.45 million
- Runners-Up: E650,000
- Semi-Finalists: E450,000 each
- Quarter-Finalists: E300,000 each
- Participation (14 Premier League Teams): E140,000 total
- Participation (14 National First Division Teams): E70,000 total
Individual Awards
- Player of the Tournament: E15,000
- Top Goal Scorer: E10,000
- Best Goalkeeper: E10,000
- Best Coach: E10,000
Media Awards
- Best Print Media: E10,000
- Best Digital Media: E10,000
- Best Broadcast Media: E10,000
The tournament promises intense competition as teams vie for these lucrative prizes. With a total football budget of nearly E4 million, including allocations for regional and women’s tournaments, the Ingwenyama Cup continues to be a cornerstone of Eswatini’s sporting and cultural calendar.