Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) chairperson Polycarp ‘Phoseka’ Dlamini has hailed the MVA Ingwenyama Cup as a tournament that extends beyond football, playing a major role in culture, talent development and national unity.
Dlamini was speaking during the live draw held at the Sincephetelo MVA Fund Building in Mbabane, where teams from the MTN Premier League, Mulasport National First Division and regional leagues gathered to learn their opponents for the prestigious knockout competition.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Their Majesties for their continued support, crediting royal backing for the tournament’s sustained growth and national significance.
Sponsorship and talent development
The PLE chairperson also thanked the Sincephetelo MVA Fund for its sponsorship, noting that the partnership had helped elevate the Ingwenyama Cup into one of the most anticipated events on the country’s football calendar.
According to Dlamini, the tournament plays a critical role in identifying and showcasing football talent across the country, offering players at all levels a platform to shine.
“This year’s edition will be different,” Dlamini warned, adding that there would be no easy matches, with fierce competition expected from the very first round.
He further highlighted the tournament’s role as a feeder system for the national team, helping to build a strong and competitive side that inspires national pride.
Beyond football, Dlamini emphasised the cultural significance of the competition, pointing out that broadcasting the tournament on SuperSport TV showcases the country’s football and culture to a wider audience.
The Ingwenyama Cup also provides a pathway to continental football, with qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup at stake.
He noted that the partnership also serves as a platform to promote road safety awareness, urging road users to exercise caution during the tournament period.
Dlamini called on the nation to pray for a successful and incident-free competition, describing the Ingwenyama Cup as a major national event.
This publication reported yesterday that the 2025/2026 Ingwenyama Cup champions will receive E1.45 million, while the runners-up will pocket E650,000.
The prize structure remains largely unchanged from last season. Total sponsorship for the tournament stands at E3.8 million, with an additional E1.2 million reserved for the cultural competition, bringing the overall annual sponsorship to E5 million — a blend of football and culture.
A brief history
Since its inception in 2016, the Ingwenyama Cup has built a compact but competitive history.
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Mbabane Swallows dominated the early years, winning three titles between 2016 and 2018
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Young Buffaloes lifted the trophy in 2019
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Green Mamba claimed back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2024
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Royal Leopards were crowned champions in 2025
