E0.00 FOR G. MAMBA, SEA BIRDS

MBABANE – Premier League sides Green Mamba and Manzini Sea Birds are going home empty-handed following a setback in the Ingwenyama Cup Last 32.

Green Mamba were eliminated by National First Division side Madlenya following a 2-4 defeat after penalties. Sea Birds were sent packing by football third-tier side Ubombo Flyers. The latter forced the game into penalties after a 3-all stalemate before claiming the Izinyoni Zolwandle’s scalp with a 6-5 win after penalties.

Both games were played at Mayaluka Stadium in Big Bend three days ago.
According to Article 16 of the Ingwenyama Cup Rules and Regulations, Premier League teams eliminated in the last 32 are not entitled to prize money.  Instead, only First Division sides are entitled to E5 000 participation fee each.

Sea Birds are exiting in the first hurdle for a second straight year. They had reached the last 16 in the first two editions. For Green Mamba, it is their worst performance.

They reached the semi-finals of the inaugural edition before being eliminated in the last 16 and quarter-finals in the next two instalments. In the past year’s edition they were eliminated in the last eight by Young Buffaloes, who won 2-1.

“Knockout tournaments are unpredictable. We were prepared, but things went pear-shaped. We know the rules and accept the results,” said Green Mamba CEO Thami Phakathi.

Meanwhile, three National First Division sides are now in the race to win the E30 000 ‘carrot’ for the best finisher. The football second-tier sides are Tinyosi, Rangers and Madlenya. If they all get eliminated in the last 16, they will equally share the E30 000 and get E10 000 each plus an extra E5 000 as participation fee.

incentive

Ubombo Flyers, on the other hand, are the last team standing from the regions, but they will not get a ‘special incentive’ in the main tournament. So far they are only guaranteed E15 000 for reaching the semi-finals of the regional tournament, which resumes next year. 

Other Ingwenyama Cup regional semi-finalists are Swazi Sun from Hhohho and as well as the duo of Masundwini Royal Swallows and Young Movers of Manzini and Shiselweni, respectively. They are in chase of the E40 000 first prize money for the national champion from the regions.

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