IDLALA KA-61 GOALS IN OPENER

LOBAMBA – Hammering goals is the essence of the game; how they are scored is the soul of soccer and how they are celebrated is the culture of the sport.

With its catchy pay-off line, Idlala Kamnandzi, the 17th edition of the EswatiniBank Cup opening last 32 round lived up to everything this most lovable tournament stands for – glut of goals, flaring tempers, edge-on-your-seats, nervy moments and this was more evident here yesterday. A total of 61 goals marked the start of the tournament – five more goals than last year’s opening tally of 56 goals – and lamentably eight goals than in last year’s grand opening event.On Sunday, 10 February, 2019, the triple header saw 16 goals being netted in the grand opening with the defending champions Young Buffaloes the biggest winners in a 6-0 hammering of listless Shooting Stars.

Equalise

Yesterday, a sizeable crowd of less than 5 000 fans watched hub giants Manzini Wanderers inspite of taking an early lead through Johnson Mensah in the 15th minute only for the hard fighting Rail United to equalise five minutes before half-time through a delightful free kick by Sanele Magagula to drag the game to penalties. Wanderers, displaying a colourless performance against the Lubombo Super League side, held their nerves to win the penalties 4-1. Highlanders, buoyed by their boisterous fans second half brilliant performance was enough to extinguish an early scare by Hawane Shooting Stars who had cancelled two goal hero Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Gamedze – his second brace in a space of a week – penalty in the 26th minute. Three goal blitz in the second stanza made the job easier for ‘Inkunzemnyama’ who are seeking their first EswatiniBank Cup glory in ten years.

Sickle-as-a-parrot Mbabane Swakllows missed a catalogue of chances when it looked easier to score than to miss; had a superb penalty save by lanky keeper Sandanezwe Mathabela to thank as Sisonkhe FC threatened to cause an upset before defender Sifiso Mabila scored a stupendous goal seven minutes to settle the nerves for the exasperated club supporters who must be wondering what is happening with their beloved club.

Excitement

Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga, EswatiniBank Managing Director Zakhele Lukhele, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) president Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa, Prince Hlangabeza and other dignitaries watched in glee as the country’s big three teams all sailed to the last 16 stage of the tournament which continues to transcend the times, financial challenges, era with its excitement and glut of goals.

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