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5 000 TICKETS FOR BIG DERBY AT SOMHLOLO

03/05/2024 09:40:00 Machawe Fakudze

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MBABANE – Finally!

The long wait for the much-anticipated Mbabane derby venue is finally over. It was reliably gathered that the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) successfully negotiated with the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs for the Somhlolo National Stadium. “The derby will be played at Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday,” a source had earlier said before an official confirmation later on the day.

The source alleged that what dragged the issue of the stadium was the fact that the EFA had reportedly delayed in requesting the venue on time. “This issue has had a negative impact in as far as the PLE releasing this weekend’s fixtures is concerned,” the source said. The PLE, through the office of Football Manager Pat Vilakati, eventually released the week 24 round of fixtures confirming that the Mbabane Highlanders and Mbabane Swallows match will be played at Somhlolo on Sunday.

The latest development was warmly welcomed by Inkunzi Emnyama Public Relations Officer (PRO) Kenneth Dlamini; he was, however, quick to say the venue dilemma disturbed them in as far as preparations for the match were concerned. “It is now water under the bridge as we are now looking forward to Sunday,” Dlamini said.

Gate

Dlamini, on the other hand, shared that 5 000 tickets would be availed for the massive fixture and they would be sold at the gate at E50 each. Notably, Somhlolo has a capacity of 7 000. Meanwhile, according to the schedule; there are four games penned for tomorrow, with the relegation battle between Rangers and Moneni Pirates slated for the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium in Nhlangano. The KaLanga Technical Centre will host Madlenya and relegation-threatened Denver Sundowns. If Denver lose, they will be relegated. Simunye Stadium, on the other hand, will witness the match between Ezulwini United and Manzini Sea Birds.

On the same day, Illovo will welcome another relegation-haunted side in Manzini Wanderers. All these games will start at 3:15pm. On the other hand, three matches have been slated for Sunday, with the Mbabane Derby between Inkunzi Emnyama and Umkhonto KaShaka taking centre stage at the Somhlolo National Stadium.

The forces derby between Royal Leopard and Young Buffaloes will be played at the Nsukuwansuku Stadium at Mhlume. Defending champions Green Mamba will visit the unpredictable Nsingizini Hotspurs at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium. All these games will be played at 3pm. Swallows super fan Bondas Simelane thanked the relevant stakeholders for giving the green light on the use of the national arena, but highlighted that he was not happy with how the matter was handled. “I think this was a learning curve for local football authorities; it was disturbing to learn at the eleventh hour,” Simelane said.