By Sibusiso Masilela
Mbabane Swallows players got a cherry on top of their Ingwenyama Cup semi-final derby success.
The players shared over E60 000 as bonuses from their former President Archbishop Bheki Lukhele after outclassing bitter-rivals Mbabane Highlanders with a 3-0 scoreline at Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday.
The players who were part of the top 18 each received E3 000 together with members of the technical bench, headed by Caleb Ngwenya.
This happened during the team’s private visit to Lukhele’s homestead at Bethany.
Swallows Governor Sandile ‘Beyond 2000′ Zwane thanked Bishop Lukhele for the kind gesture.
“We are grateful for the endless love of our father (Bishop Lukhele) in motivating our players after this important win. We also appreciate the support of our sponsors and the hordes of supporters who came in their numbers to support the team,” he said.
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Zwane said they would work hard during the finals against the defending champions Green Mamba.
The ‘Correctional Services’ side Green Mamba also booked their finals with a 3-2 win over Young Buffaloes during the security forces derby played at the same venue.
“The job is not yet complete as we still need to play the final, but I am confident we can conquer it through unity in the entire Swallows family,” he said.
Ayanda Gadlela’s wonder striker and a brace by the workaholic Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini earned the Caleb Ngwenya-led charges bragging rights and a place in the finals.
Lukhele was in charge of ‘Umkhonto ka Shaka’ for three seasons before stepping down in August 2023.
The popular man of the cloth had taken over the club during the 2019/20 season. The champions of the prestigious knockout tournament will take home E1.4 million as first prize.
The red and white glamour side remains the most successful team in the history of the tournament that blends football with culture as they have a treble.