BUFFALOES ‘BEYIY’FUNA MBAMBA’

SwaziBank Cup review


MBABANE – The curtain has finally fallen on the 2018 SwaziBank Cup ‘Uyay’funa Na?’
This year’s edition had its own special moments, which has become the trademark of the SwaziBank Cup. Who shall forget Royal Leopard’s 7-0 win over Amalanda FC in the first round, Malanti Chiefs’ shock 5-1 win over Moneni Pirates in the last 16 stage, and Mbabane Swallows’ shock elimination at the hands of Green Mamba FC also at the round of 16.
‘Uyayifuna Na?’ a unique edition in the sense that there was ladies football for the first time ever. Young Buffaloes Ladies became the first winners of the women’s category by defeating Manzini Wanderers Ladies 2-1 in the final.
SwaziBank forked out E75 000 to sponsor our sisters. The bank continues to break new ground in as far as its partnership with the local football is concerned. The SwaziBank Cup is guaranteed for two more years, but below we look back at the razzmatazz from the 2018 tournament especially the finals last Sunday.

Finals attendance
SwaziBank Managing Director Zakhele Lukhele was first to note that this year’s finals could have been the best attended finals in years. Indeed, the crowds were mind blowing. Officially, Somhlolo National Stadium carries 7 500 spectators, but the people who graced the finals surely surpassed that number. The powers that be will not confirm this as they could risk a fine by the relevant bodies for deliberate overcrowding. A proper estimation of the numbers could be 10 000 spectators or even more. It was indeed a raucous atmosphere at the ‘Mecca’ of local football.

The Stadium Branding
Upmarket it was! As always, the bank with a heart outdid itself as there was not one reason to question what was happening at the Somhlolo National Stadium. Everything was SwaziBank from outside to the inside of the arena. We saw how they played around with their colours on the dressing room ball-shaped roof and in the Royal Box. We could not miss the presentation stage, it was fantastic!

Buffaloes sweep the boards
It is not usual for one team to perform as well as Buffaloes did in all the categories. Recall that they won the Men’s final (2-1 over Manzini Wanderers), won the Under 20 final (3-2 on penalties over Mbabane Swallows), and won the Ladies final (3-2 over Manzini Wanderers Ladies). It was an unprecedented feat. Congratulations to Buffaloes’ management for a job well done.

Phiwa Dlamini’s performance
If you have not seen this player yet, rest assured he could be one of best players to come out of the country in recent years. Watch this space! There is nothing he cannot do, from tracking back to arriving in the box on time to score a goal. Players of this quality are very rare these days. Those who watched the European Champions League in the late 90s will remember the likes of Bayern’s Steffen Effenberg, Juventus’ Pavel Nedved, Valencia’s Gazkia Mendieta, and even Paul Scholes from Manchester United. Those players sat in front of the defence, but when a winger delivered a cross they were in the opposition’s box to score. It takes a lot of hard work off the ball plus determination to go forward. Phiwa has it all.

98 goals scored
This margin was achieved in a total of 32 matches. Incredible! This is the magic of the SwaziBank cup. It has been raining goals once again, and we look forward to an even more exciting tournament next season.

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