LOBAMBA – The 2025 edition of the prestigious Ingwenyama Cup, celebrated for its unique blending of football and culture, has been officially launched at Nkhanini in Lobamba.
The announcement confirms that the Regional Ingwenyama Cup will kick off this weekend.
The tournament is now in the second year of its substantial three-season sponsorship deal with the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF), which committed E15 million over three years, ensuring at least E5 million is available each season.
Prince Hlangabeza, the Ingwenyama Cup Chairman, declared the competition already in motion. “From today (yesterday), the Ingwenyama Cup shall be starting,” he remarked.
Comfort Shongwe, Chairman of the Management Committee, noted that the specific fixtures for this weekend will depend on the readiness of the various regions to play.
Sam Mzileni, the SMVAF Control Officer and Acting CEO, emphasised the serious nature of the tournament, citing a mandate from His Majesty King Mswati III.
“He (King) has given us a big task to take football and culture to be an industry for the benefit of emaSwati,” Mzileni stated.
He clarified that the ultimate goal is to transform the competition into a thriving ‘trade’ that uplifts the country.
Polycarp Dlamini, the Chairman of the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), welcomed the news, stating the regional start was necessitated because ‘time is no longer on our side.’
Dlamini highlighted the competition’s role in talent identification, noting the emergence of younger praise singers. He then issued a strong plea for the regions to focus on nurturing youth talent, stating that regional football should not be a place of retirement.
This focus, he argued, is vital for the national team, Sihlangu, to fulfil His Majesty’s wish of reaching major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the World Cup. He also urged teams to maintain strict discipline, adhere to rules and ensure that unsporting behaviour is curbed.
On the cultural side, Prince Bukhosi, the Culture Chairman, announced that the public should await the official announcement of the songs to be used in this year’s edition, as they must first be blessed by the committee.
He concluded by reinforcing the importance of road safety, noting the competition’s timing ahead of the busy festive season.
The last edition of the competition was won by Royal Leopard, who received E1.4 million. The regional competition was won by Emajukujuku.
Ingwenyama Cup Chairman Prince Hlangabeza officially launched the 2025 edition of the Ingwenyama Cup, where the regional teams will start their journey in the lucrative competition. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)