Football: Charity Cup play-off draw made in Eswatini
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Times of Eswatini
Mbabane Highlanders will face Mbabane Swallows, while Green Mamba will play Ubombo Sugar in the play-offs for the Premier League of Eswatini’s first Charity Cup. Moneni Pirates and Nsingizini Hotspurs have qualified directly for the semi-finals, according to the draw held by the league.
The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has asked six of the eight clubs involved in the Charity Cup play-offs to increase their vote tallies, or risk having their participation payments cut. A source close to the matter cited by the Times of Eswatini says deductions could be taken from participation allowances or ticket revenue.
The draw held on Wednesday at Sigwaca House paired Mbabane Highlanders AM with local rivals Mbabane Swallows. The other play-off will see Green Mamba face Ubombo Sugar. Moneni Pirates and Nsingizini Hotspurs have qualified directly for the semi-finals. The inaugural tournament is due to take place on Sunday at the Mavuso Sports Centre.
Under PLE rules, first-division teams had to reach 20,000 votes to qualify among the six teams, compared with 10,000 for second-division clubs. When voting closed at midnight on Monday, only Moneni Pirates and Nkwene Sundowns had reached their respective thresholds. Each of the eight participating teams is to receive 15,000 lilangeni in participation fees.
The PLE announced that the Eswatini Charity Cup had raised 226,000 lilangeni on 28 October.
