SOCCER – The stage is set, but fans will have to wait just a little longer.
His Majesty King Mswati III has approved a new date for the SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup final, with Green Mamba now scheduled to face Nsingizini Hotspurs on May 10.
The much-anticipated clash had initially been set for May 3 but was postponed following a directive announced by Ingwenyama Cup Board of Trustees Chairman Prince Hlangabeza during a press briefing at Lozitha Palace yesterday.
“His Majesty has ordered that he will meet his people on May 10,” Prince Hlangabeza said.
The rescheduling comes amid ongoing national celebrations marking His Majesty’s Ruby Jubilee and 58th birthday. Since last Friday, the country has been in a festive mood with major events, including a gathering at Somhlolo National Stadium, the opening of the International Convention Centre in Ezulwini and a cultural showcase at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
Celebrations have stretched late into the night across the country.
For the finalists, the delay brings both challenges and opportunities.
Nsingizini Hotspurs PRO Sibusiso Mnotfo Dlamini said the team remained unfazed, insisting that their focus is firmly on the task ahead as they prepare for their first Ingwenyama Cup final appearance.
“We are not shaken. Being home or away does not mean anything in a final. We respect Green Mamba but we are a tough side in finals and believe in our ability to deliver,” he said.
Green Mamba CEO Ntuthuko Dlamini also acknowledged the change but expressed confidence in his team’s readiness.
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“We know we have to work hard. We have been here before and the focus is on preparing the team properly,” he said.
Dlamini added that the extended build-up would allow the technical team to fine-tune preparations while carefully managing players to maintain peak condition.
As excitement from the national celebrations continues, anticipation for the final is only growing.
All eyes are now on May 10, a date that promises not only a football spectacle but also a fitting finale to a historic period in the country’s calendar.
Meanwhile, Ingwenyama Cup PRO Nkosilenhle ‘Makawosi’ Masuku emphasised that this year’s final carried added significance beyond football.
“The Ingwenyama Cup is part of the ongoing celebrations of His Majesty King Mswati III’s Ruby Jubilee and 58th birthday,” said Masuku, noting that the country’s flagship knockout competition has been aligned with national festivities, blending sport and culture.
Tickets have been released for the finals, with Masuku urging supporters to secure theirs early through Moja Tickets.
“Tickets are limited and can be sold out. We urge Emaswati to buy them in advance,” he said.
He also recalled how overwhelming attendance has been in previous editions.
“Two years ago, people were already being stopped from entering the stadium by midday because it was full. That shows the magnitude of this event,” Masuku said.
Tickets for the finals are going for E50.
Meanwhile, Masuku also revealed that they would give out soccer kits to participating teams, further indicating that the distribution could take place either today or tomorrow.
On the field of play, Green Mamba will face Nsingizini Hotspurs in the men’s final, while Manzini Wanderers Ladies take on defending champions Young Buffaloes Ladies in the women’s final.
Masuku expressed confidence that the day would be a memorable one.
