Early exit for ‘Birds’, ‘Weslians’
By Chris Dlamini
The 8Bet Trade Fair Cup 2025/26 is the talk this week ahead of its kick-off on Saturday, August 30.
The action for the second edition, sponsored to the tune of E2.5 million will get underway with a triple-header grand opening at Mavuso Sports Centre, Manzini from 1.30pm, the last match set for 6.30pm.
First to take to the play field will be Ubombo Sugar and Sisonkhe at 1:30pm, then Nsingizini Hotspurs and Tambankulu Celtics at 4pm, before Moneni Pirates, last season’s runners-up take on Rangers at 6:30pm.
Meanwhile, a former elite star in Young Buffaloes and Malanti Chiefs legend, Sabelo ‘Tso’ Hlatshwayo was on Monday given the task to predict the upcoming Trade Fair Cup fixtures.
Hlatshwayo minced no words about his views from opening day to the last preliminary fixtures.
“Before I say much, I believe Moneni and Rangers will be the greatest advertising fixture for football because of the way the former plays and their experience in Cup tournaments will see them edge Rangers who have an experienced coach in Mthunzi.
“Otherwise, I’m worried about Swallows who have unconducive problems right now and that will work against coach Caleb Ngwenya as much as he has the experience to win.
Mentally, Swallows are not okay and I foresee Manzini Sea Birds stealing this match. Moving on to Wanderers and Green Mamba, the former have Nyanga as coach but I don’t see him going past an already well-oiled machine-like Green Mamba who also boasts experience and quality,” said Hlatshwako.
He said the current ownership battle and other issues touching on the players at Swallows were a big factor that was set to work against them.
“It’s quite too much for the players’ mental readiness,” he added.
Hlatshwako was then tasked to predict the rest of the fixtures, especially his former teams Buffaloes and Malanti facing off. He said Buffaloes had all the quality and started their preseason preparations early,
so they will have an upper hand over Malanti who just made it back to the elite league as National First Division League champions last season. Among the opening day fixtures,
he said Nsingizini was favoured against elite debutants Celtics as a side going to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and also played in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup last year.
8Bet Trade Fair Cup 2025/26 fixture:
Sunday, August 30
Mavuso Sports Centre, Manzini:
U. Sugar vs. Sisonkhe 1:30pm
Ns. Hotspurs vs. T. Celtics 4pm
M. Pirates vs. Rangers 6:30pm
Sunday, August 31
Y. Buffaloes vs. M. Chiefs 1:30pm
M. Highlanders vs. Ez. United 4pm
G. Mamba vs. M. Wanderers 6:30pm
Monday, September 1
R. Leopard vs. Amawele 5pm
M. Swallows vs. M. Sea Birds 7:30pm
Tuesday, September 2 (Quarter-finals)
Winner M1 vs. Winner M2 – QF1 5pm
Winner M5 vs. Winner M6 – QF 2 7:30pm (Quarter-finals) Winner M7 vs. Winner M8 – QF 3 5:00pm Winner M3 vs. Winner M4 – QF 4 7:30pm
