swaziland times

Mbabane – The game is on!

This comes after Swazi Premier League (PLE) CEO Pat ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati held the 2024 8Bet Trade Fairs Cup draw at the new shopping mall Hive in Mbabane yesterday morning. The event was attended by the newly elected PLE President Polycarp Dlamini and members of its Executive Committee (ExCo). The former PLE Chief Operating Officer (COO) explained that they will use the 2023/24 MTN Premier League Finals logbook, and newly promoted Sidwashini United and Sisonkhe duo will also be involved.

painting

“Unlike the last edition, there will be no reserve teams in this draw, but this does not mean that we will have a 16-team league this season,” explained Villacarti. He also explained that there will be no other draws as the fixtures will be created on the final day. Meanwhile, relegation-threatened Manzini Wanderers, who are still battling to avoid relegation, were drawn against Nsingizini Hotspurs.

The ‘Wesleyans’ have a pending case in the High Court which has been adjourned to September 16, 2024. The maroon and white centre giants approached the court seeking to overturn the decisions of the Swaziland Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC) and the EFA Appeals Committee. Two committees have dismissed a protest by Rangers against Denver Sundowns captain Jimoh Moses which resulted in the team being relegated to the second tier of local football.

draw

The draw results show that the “Wesleyans” will face the country’s TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup envoys Nsingizini Hotspurs in the final round of 16. Defending champions Green Mamba will officially welcome Sidwashini United into the Super League to start their title defence. Mbabane Swallows, who were runners-up to the Green Mamba, will also welcome Sisunkhe into the Elite League, where they will look to win the trophy this time. Mbabane Highlanders take on the stronger Manzini Seabirds, while relegated Denver Sundowns take on Young Buffaloes. 2023 dark horse Madlenya will take on Shiselweni-based Rangers.

It is worth mentioning that the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup will be held at the Mavuso Sports Center from September to September 10. PLE president Dlamini revealed that this year’s champion will receive a prize of EGP 600,000, a 100 percent increase over the prize that Inyoka’eluhlazane received last year.