(At KaLanga Technical Centre)
Madlenya ..........................1
Mboza 22nd
Manzini Wanderers .........1
Mlaba 14th
(Madlenya won 5-3 on penalties)
SITEKI – Madlenya have rewritten the history books, once again shattering the hopes of a struggling Manzini Wanderers side.
In a repeat of the 2023/24 season, the ‘Weslians’ were eliminated on penalties, extending their wait for a maiden Ingwenyama Cup title.
This pulsating Last 32 encounter was staged before a sizeable crowd at the KaLanga Technical Centre. After the match ended 1-1 in regulation time, Madlenya held their nerve to win 5-3 in the shootout. History has a cruel way of repeating itself; the MulaSport National First Division (NFD) side previously knocked Wanderers out of the Last 16 in the same fashion two seasons ago.
Wanderers, who missed last season’s tournament due to legal battles, remain the only ‘Big Three’ club yet to reach a final. Their best runs remain quarter-final finishes in 2017/18 and 2019/20. Historically, they have managed only a single victory against Madlenya in six meetings across all competitions.
The match drew high-profile figures, including SMVAF Board Chairman Zithulele Gina, Corporate Executive Sam Mzileni and MP Sifiso ‘Haizo’ Shabalala. This eighth edition of Eswatini’s premier knockout tournament, famous for its blend of football and culture, is sponsored by SMVAF to the tune of E5 million, with the 2025/26 champions guaranteed a lucrative E1.45 million prize.
Wanderers’ veteran Coach Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini welcomed back Captain Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule from injury, while returning player Mthunzi ‘Chippa’ Motsa also earned a start. Madlenya handed a full debut to new signing Ayababaza Gama.
Wanderers started with intent, but it was Madlenya’s Thobelani ‘Mboza’ Gamedze who forced the first save from Mozambican goalkeeper Mario Jamine. However, the deadlock was broken in the 14th minute when Mlaba finished off a delivery from Sandile ‘Messi’ Maseko, leaving Madlenya keeper Mlondi ‘Navanava’ Dlamini helpless.
The lead lasted only eight minutes. Mboza capitalised on a defensive lapse to equalise. Before the break, Wanderers were forced into a change as the goalscorer Mlaba withdrew with an injury, replaced by Sizolwethu Mdvoti.
The second half was a cagey affair. Madlenya’s freshman Lungelo Matsenjwa frequently tested Jamine, while at the other end, Messi continued to search for a winner for the Weslians. Despite tactical shifts from Coach Ace, the match remained deadlocked at the final whistle.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
