Unforgettable, exciting moments

MBABANE – Mbabane Swallows secured a well-deserved 3-0 victory over their city rivals, Mbabane Highlanders, in a jam-packed Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The highly anticipated final of the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) Ingwenyama Cup is set to take place soon, although the exact date has yet to be announced.

The stage is set for a clash between two teams who have never met in the tournament’s final before: Green Mamba and Mbabane Swallows. Mbabane Swallows have previously won the Ingwenyama Cup three times in the past, defeating Royal Leopard and Young Buffaloes.

Green Mamba, on the other hand, secured their first title by defeating Highlanders 2-0 in the previous edition of the tournament. With both teams eager to claim the substantial E1.4 million prize, the final promises to be a thrilling and competitive encounter.

COACH OF THE WEEK:

Caleb ‘No Nonsense’ Ngwenya (M.Swallows)

The Swallows’ head coach devised an ingenious strategy that effectively worked against Highlanders, leading his team to an impressive victory.

STAR PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini (M.Swallows), Sabelo ‘Sikhali’

Ndzinisa (G.Mamba)

The two players each scored a brace in the Ingwenyama Cup semi-finals, helping their team to victory and securing a coveted spot in the prestigious final. Notably, ‘Sikhali’s impressive performance brought his tournament goal tally to six, positioning him as a strong contender for the E10 000 top goalscorer award.

TEAM OF THE WEEK:

1. Sandanezwe Mathabela (Swallows)

2. Sibonelo Sibandze (Y. Buffaloes )

3. Mxolisi Manana (G. Mamba)

4. Sandile Hlatshwako (M. Swallows)

5. Sibongakonkhe Silenge (G. Mamba )

6. Khethokuhle Mkhontfo (G. Mamba )

7. Sizolwethu Shabalala (M. Swallows)

8. Nhlanhla Ngwenya (M. Swallows)

9. Sabelo Ndzinisa (G. Mamba)

10. Neliswa Dlamini (M. Swallows)

11. Bongwa Matsebula (Y. Buffaloes)

Mbabane Highlanders supporters deserve to be commended for their sportsmanship after the game. Despite the disappointment of defeat, they refrained from engaging in fights and instead accepted the outcome with grace.

After Ayanda ‘Gandaganda’ Gadlela had scored the decisive third goal, Umkhonto KaShaka players and Physical Trainer Siza ‘King Pele’ Dlamini (R) were seen celebrating by performing the ‘Gandanganda’ dance. This vibrant display of excitement and team spirit was a fitting tribute to Gadlela’s impressive feat, which sealed the victory for Umkhonto KaShaka.

In a touching display of sportsmanship, Green Mamba striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa was seen consoling Young Buffaloes defender Sibonelo Sibandze, who was visibly emotional after his team’s loss.

The Ingwenyama Cup semi-finals proved to be a testament to the competition’s widespread appeal, as fans from different racial backgrounds flocked the stadium to witness the exciting matches.

The match officials, led by Thokozane Dlamini (2nd L), should be commended for their fair and impartial officiating during the Mbabane derby. Their even-handed approach ensured that supporters had no reason to dispute the refereeing decisions, resulting in a more enjoyable and sportsmanlike atmosphere at the match.

Former Manzini Wanderers player and current Eswatini Television Authority employee Mfanafuthi ‘Taribo’ Bhembe, was spotted in action, capturing the exciting moments of the Ingwenyama Cup semi-finals with his video camera.

(Pics: Mengameli Mabuza) Mbabane Swallows fans, after winning their derby match against Mbabane Highlanders yesterday, playfully taunted the Highlanders fans by depicting themselves holding a bull by its horns.