By Siphiwo Dlamini
MBABANE- The Instacash Schools Soccer Tournament Top 16 Knockout Draw was officially conducted yesterday at the Eswatini Football Association’s Sigwaca House, setting the stage for an intense battle on the field. The event also featured the official kit presentation for the competing schools, boosting the competitive spirit among players and supporters.
Zakhele Myeni, President of the Eswatini Schools Sports Association (ESSA), warmly acknowledged the Ministry of Education and Training, including Schools Manager Nhlengetfwa and Acting Senior Inspector for Schools, Sports, Art and Culture, Thandi Nkambule, for their invaluable support in nurturing school sports. He further extended heartfelt thanks to Instacash for recognizing the importance of supporting learners and their efforts to unearth talent. Myeni expressed optimism about Instacash’s commitment to sponsor the tournament for the next three years, ensuring continued growth in school sports.
Zama Tsabedze, Business Development Manager representing the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council, echoed this gratitude, praising Instacash’s unwavering partnership with nearly all sporting codes across Eswatini. He commended ESSA’s leadership for maintaining this vital sponsorship, which has been instrumental in advancing the country’s sporting community.
Frederick Mngomezulu, CEO of the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), delivered welcoming remarks at the draw event. He invited all communities to make use of EFA’s facilities for sporting activities, emphasizing inclusivity. Mngomezulu expressed strong interest in the tournament and highlighted that Eswatini will host national school games in August, further promoting youth sports development.
Top 16 Knockout Fixtures
Regional Finals (All games start at 9:00 AM)
Hhohho Region (June 3, Killarney Sports Ground)
Wild Card vs Siphocosini High
Mhlatane High vs Madlangempisi/Sikhunyane
Manzini Region (June 4)
Ekuphakameni vs Manzini Central
Mcozini High vs Inyandza High
Shiselweni Region (June 5, King Sobhuza II Stadium)
Ngudzeni FEA vs Nhlangano 1
Qomintaba High vs Hlathikhulu Central
Lubombo Region (June 6, Simunye Stadium)
Nhlangano 2 vs Lusoti/Lomahasha
Mpaka High vs Hlutse High
National Semifinals
King Sobhuza II Stadium, Nhlangano – June 13, 2025
– Lubombo vs Manzini
– Hhohho vs Shiselweni
