NSINGIZINI, LEOPARD MISS OUT ON E200K PRIZE

MBABANE – Ambitious MTN Premier League rookies Nsingizini Hotspurs are officially out of the E200 000 ‘Y’ello prize, as they will finish the league outside the top four.

The rookies had showed signs of competing for the championship after starting the 2022/23 MTN Premier League on a high note. They started to falter in the second round under the stewardship of Malawian gaffer Gerald Phiri. Phiri was shown the exit door and his seat was taken by fellow countryman in former Mbabane Highlanders Coach Meck Mwase. Insingizi Yezulu, as the Shiselweni-based outfit are fondly known in local football circles, surprised many as they were crowned champions of the inaugural 2022 MoMo Cup after beating Moneni Pirates in the final, which was played at the Somhlolo National Stadium in October last year.

The rookies who bought the status of the now defunct Motshane-based side Vovovo are currently on position six on the standings with 34 points and with up for grabs, they cannot dislodge fourth placed Mbabane Highlanders from position four. They could finish the season on 41 points should they win all the remaining games. However, Hotspurs can win E75 000 if they remain sixth. This is according to the 2022/23 MTN Premier League Rules and Regulation, which stipulates that an amount of E4 045 000 shall be disbursed towards the payment of cash prizes to the winning teams, with the champions getting E1 000 000 and from position two to the sixth, the teams shall get money ranging from E500 000 down to E75 000.

Meanwhile, dethroned champions Royal Leopard will also not get the E200 000, but could get E100 000 if they maintain the fifth spot. They are currently on 36 points and with the two remaining games they can finish with 42 points, which is not enough to dislodge Highlanders. Other seasoned campaigners who shall not get anything but the participation fee are Moneni Pirates, Denver Sundowns and Manzini Wanderers. The latter officially evaded relegation after beating Tambankulu Callies 2-1on Sunday at the Mavuso Sports Centre, in the process relegating them down to the MTN National First Division (NFD).  Callies last season punched above their weight as they finished on position five, but this season was a different story as they lost their premier league status.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: