Times Of Swaziland: REGIONAL TEAMS GUARANTEED SWAZIBANK SPOT - PLS

REGIONAL TEAMS GUARANTEED SWAZIBANK SPOT - PLS
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 BY SANELE JELE on 11/01/2018 00:00:00


MBABANE – Despite the introduction of the 14-team PLS league, regional teams
will still get a  chance to play in the 15th edition of the SwaziBank Cup.
Under normal circumstances, eight super league regional teams qualify for the
richly- sponsored SwaziBank Cup.
The tournament is contested for by 32 teams. In previous tournaments, the 24 PLS
teams gained an automatic entry while eight were reserved for regional teams.
Noteworthy is that in the current Ingwenyama Cup, only the top four teams in
each region gained an automatic qualification while the runners-up in these
respective leagues had to compete in play-offs and two teams joined the 30
teams. This new arrangement was brought about by that the elite league has 14
teams.
PLS COO Pat Vilakati said despite the introduction of a 14 team league, regional
teams will play in the SwaziBank cup.
‘‘Even if the criteria for qualification changes, rest assure the regional
teams will still be part of this spectacular tournament. However, we have to
meet with all stakeholders and decide on the way forward regarding this issue,"
Vilakati said.
Efforts to ascertain when the tournament will kick off were futile as SwaziBank
PRO Phesheya Vilakati said he was not sure yet when the 15th edition will be
launched. He, however, assured football lovers that SwaziBank would continue to
sponsor this rournament. Last year, it was launched in February 20 and Young
Buffaloes won the E1 million at stake, beating Matsapha United 2-0 in the
finals.