Royal champions

Royal Leopard……………………… (0) 1,

Thokozani Dlamini 53rd minute

Moneni Pirates………………………(0) 0,

Good things come to those who wait.

The famous saying has rung in the ears of Royal Leopards.

The police side finally wrote their name in the Ingwenyama Cup Hall of Fame.

The Edwin Matsebula-led side snatched the seventh title of the prestigious knockout tournament with a 1-0 over Moneni Pirates at a packed Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday.

After two unsuccessful attempts at the hands of three-time winners Mbabane Swallows, the blue and white ensemble stood their ground in front of His Majesty King Mswati III and over 10 00 fans.

The crowd also included international guests including iconic South African legend Ephraem ‘Jomo’Sono, Controversial Royal AM owner Shauwn ‘Mamkhize’ Mkhize and two local legends William Cool’ Shongwe and Absalom ‘Scara’Shongwe, among others.

Pint-sized striker Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini was cutting edge on the day as he netted an early second-half strike that earned ‘Ingwemabalabala’ an E1.4 million cheque and a CAF Confederation Cup ticket.

The former Malanti Chiefs striker came in the second half for Malian striker Djire Djakite to pounce on a Sikhumbuzo Magagula low cross, that went past Pirates goalkeeper Bernard Ayikwei breaking the hearts of over 5000 vocal Pirates fans following a barren first half.

The football gods seem to have turned against the resilient Pirates as they were not clinical in front of goals with the duo of Mazwi Sihlongonyane and Bi Zahi Irie being the main culprits.

The Caleb Ngwenya-led side matched the opposition pound for pound despite their second cup final loss this season under Ngwenya following the early cup setback in the 8Bet Trade Fair to Young Buffaloes during Ghanaian coach Christopher Ennin’s era.