MBABANE –Some Premier League stars are set to miss the Ingwenyama Cup Round-of-16 fixtures due to being ‘cup-tied’.
In footballing terms, these players are ineligible to represent their new clubs because they have already featured for another side in the same competition this season. This is strictly governed by Article 4.2 of the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF)-sponsored Ingwenyama Cup rules, which forbids players from appearing for more than one team in a single campaign.
Among those sidelined is Nsingizini’s exciting new signing from VIVA Stumbo’s XI, Simphiwe ‘Kewu’ Mabuza. The player notably scored for his former side against Nsingizini during the Last 32.
The Shiselweni-based outfit travel to Manzini this Sunday for a highly-anticipated clash against Mbabane Highlanders. The two sides met only last weekend in league action, where ‘Inkunz’emnyama’ suffered a bruising 4-2 defeat at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium.
Notably, Highlanders are bolstered by the return of goalkeeper Sisekelo Maseko from suspension. Furthermore, their experienced defender Vusi Vilakati has started light training after being out for a month due to an injury.
Despite the loss of Mabuza, Nsingizini Public Relations Officer Sibusiso ‘Mnotfo’ Dlamini insisted the squad remains resilient.
“We have a deep and talented squad. As a result, we will not be hindered by this,” Dlamini said. “Highlanders can expect a repeat of last weekend’s performance.”
Another high-profile absentee is expected to be former Mbabane Swallows forward Pandemoya Tshamwinga. The international sat on the bench for ‘Umkhonto KaShaka’ against Richmond Aces in the previous round and has since moved to Ezulwini United. His new side, the ‘Stingers’, are scheduled to face former runners-up Moneni Pirates.
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Some Premier League stars are set to miss the Ingwenyama Cup Round-of-16 fixtures due to being ‘cup-tied’.