By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – Manzini Wanderers’ bid to challenge their exclusion from the Ingwenyama Cup will only be decided mere hours before the tournament begins.
The High Court, presided over by Judge Bongani S. Dlamini, postponed the case on Thursday to Friday at 11 a.m. This delay comes as all parties involved are yet to file their submissions. The Wanderers are seeking an urgent court order to halt the kick-off of the Ingwenyama Cup, following their exclusion from the competition.
Adding to their woes, the team is also involved in a separate Supreme Court case contesting their relegation from the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE). That matter is scheduled to be heard on February 10, 2025.
Represented by lawyer SM Jele, the Wanderers filed an urgent application on Wednesday requesting the court to stop the tournament’s last-32 knockout stage, set to begin on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Thursday’s court proceedings drew a significant crowd of the team’s supporters to the High Court in Mbabane. The Wanderers’ legal team included Mduduzi ‘Tsotsi’ Mabila and Charles Jele, both from SM Jele Attorneys.
Opposing them, the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Competitions Committee is represented by Sabela Dlamini, while Mluleki Ndlangamandla stands in for the Premier League of Eswatini.
The Wanderers argue that their exclusion from the tournament is unjustified, given their status as PLE affiliates. During the draw for the last 32 held on Monday, only 31 teams were drawn, with one team placed on standby. This team, Sisonkhe, is currently poised to advance to the last 16 without playing a match should the tournament proceed without the maroon-and-white outfit.
The outcome of Friday’s court hearing will ultimately decide whether the Ingwenyama Cup proceeds as planned or faces a last-minute halt.
