The semi-finals of the SAIMSA Games 2026 have been set, with Eswatini's Nhlangano Town Council and Matsapha Town Board preparing to face off in a local derby. The two teams secured their spots in the last four after dramatic victories in the quarter-finals. Matsapha Town Board defeated Manzini in a sudden-death penalty shoot-out, following a goalless draw in regulation time at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground in Mbabane.
Matsapha Town Board's goalkeeper Simiso Mabuza was the hero of the match, denying Manzini's Nhlanhla Tsela with the sixth penalty to secure victory. Manzini's lineup included veteran Wanderers defender Sihle 'Mbhalaza' Mkhonta. Matsapha finished as runners-up at the Southern Africa Inter-Municipal Sports Association (SAIMSA) Games in Lesotho last year and are looking to go further in this year's tournament.
Nhlangano Town Council also needed penalties to overcome Ngwenya Town Board, setting up the semi-final clash with Matsapha. Nhlangano enter the fixture as current champions of the Eswatini Inter-Municipal Games Association (ESIGA) Games 2026, having narrowly beaten Matsapha 1-0 in that final. They also reached the semi-finals of the 2025 SAIMSA Games before being ousted by eventual champions Maseru.
The SAIMSA Games 2026 have attracted teams from across Southern Africa, including Namibia's Municipality of Walvis Bay and the City of Windhoek. The winner of their quarter-final match will progress to face either Pigg's Peak Town Council or South Africa's Buffalo City Metropolitan. The 20th edition of the regional tournament is set to conclude on Friday, September 25, with the finals and closing award ceremonies.
The semi-final match between Nhlangano Town Council and Matsapha Town Board is expected to be a compelling clash, with both teams determined to reach the final. The match will take place at the Somhlolo National Stadium, and fans will be eagerly anticipating the outcome.
The SAIMSA Games have a long history of promoting sports and unity among municipalities in Southern Africa. The tournament provides a platform for teams to showcase their skills and compete against others in the region. This year's edition has seen some exciting matches and unexpected results, making it a thrilling competition.
The conclusion of the SAIMSA Games 2026 will mark the end of a successful tournament, with the finals and award ceremonies set to take place on Friday. The winning teams will be crowned champions and will receive their medals and trophies. The event will also provide an opportunity for teams to reflect on their performances and prepare for future competitions.
Key points
- Nhlangano Town Council and Matsapha Town Board to clash in SAIMSA Games 2026 semi-finals
- Matsapha Town Board defeated Manzini in a sudden-death penalty shoot-out to reach the semi-finals
- The SAIMSA Games 2026 will conclude on Friday, September 25, with the finals and closing award ceremonies
