BEAUTY OF THE SWAZIBANK CUP

Sir,

I am sure that everyone who genuinely loves local football will concur with me that the 14th edition of the SwaziBank Cup is proving to be one of the most interesting football tournaments in the land.

Already dubbed #yelele, this lucrative tournament has brought shocks and surprises as the battle to the final intensifies. And it is not by design that giants in the likes of defending champions Mbabane Swallows and Royal Leopard were sent packing by National First Division teams in Matsapha United and Vovovo FC respectively.

Last year’s runners up Green Mamba were also booted out by hub giants Manzini Wanderers as the SwaziBank Cup continues to thrill. For the 12 Premier League teams which were all able to progress to the last 16, one would have thought that they would continue their dominance over the so-called small teams but lo and behold the end results are there for everyone to see.  Matsapha United achieved what all of the Premier League teams have failed to do - beating the marauding Swallows who had gone 28 games unbeaten. Vovovo in their maiden season in the MTN National First Division have already proved to be a force to be reckoned with and their never-say-die spirit ensured that they claim the scalp of faltering police side Leopard in spectacular fashion at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium.

2014 champions Moneni Pirates also bit the dust against resilent Lubombo outfit Tambuti FC while the rest of the fixtures saw Highlanders, Buffaloes, Midas City and Sundowns  booking a place in the last eight.

I may not be celebrating the crashing out of certain teams but the unpredictability of the games is what brings the vibe to this tournament which was incepted in 2004. With the quarter  finals on the cards, there is no doubt that football followers are already waiting with bated breath for the draw, which will definitely produce another interesting fixtures.

And of course, let the spirit of the SwaziBank Cup be part of our lives as we celebrate yet another milestone in the local football calendar.

Comfort Jele

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