The draw for the PLE Charity Cup semi-finals has been conducted, pitting top teams against each other in a bid for a spot in the final. Moneni Pirates will face Nsingizini Hotspurs, while Mbabane Highlanders AM takes on Ubombo Sugar. The semi-finals will be played on Sunday at Somhlolo National Stadium, with gates opening at 8am. Football fans will pay E50 to watch the action.
The encounter between Nsingizini Hotspurs and Moneni Pirates offers an opportunity for Nsingizini to settle the score after a league defeat on September 19. Moneni Pirates edged Nsingizini 1-0 in the MTN Premier League, but Nsingizini will be eager to prove themselves in the Charity Cup. The two teams have a history of closely contested matches, with Nsingizini registering three victories against Pirates' two, and four matches ending in draws.
Nsingizini Public Relations Officer Sibusiso Mnotfo Dlamini expressed satisfaction with the draw, stating that the team had wanted to face Pirates. He emphasized that the team was still disappointed by the September defeat and would be determined to make amends. Dlamini also thanked supporters who voted for the club, highlighting that the tournament was ultimately about supporting a good cause.
Moneni Pirates representative Mhlonishwa Motsa welcomed the challenge, describing Nsingizini as a big team with familiar strengths and weaknesses. He stated that Pirates aimed to eliminate Nsingizini and advance to the final. The other semi-final will see Mbabane Highlanders AM take on Ubombo Sugar, with Highlanders looking to continue their pursuit of the trophy they last won in 2019.
Mbabane Highlanders AM booked their place in the Last Four after beating Mbabane Swallows 2-0 in the Charity Cup play-offs. Ubombo Sugar also progressed from the play-offs after overcoming Green Mamba. Highlanders representative Sifiso 'Zwide' Ndwandwe thanked supporters for voting for the club and urged the Highlanders faithful to turn out in numbers and rally behind the team.
The day will also feature the National First Division Charity Cup final between Lozitha Spurs and Nkwene Sundowns. Lozitha representative Nkosinathi Lushaba expressed delight at reaching the final and thanked the club director for support. He welcomed the prospect of facing Nkwene, citing their positions on the league standings as an interesting contest.
The PLE Charity Cup champions will receive E400 000, with the runners-up taking home E200 000, and third and fourth-placed sides receiving E100 000 each. The finals will be played at Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday, with Highlanders AM facing Ubombo Sugar at 9am, followed by Nsingizini Hotspurs versus Moneni Pirates at 11am.
Key points
- The PLE Charity Cup semi-finals will be played on Sunday at Somhlolo National Stadium.
- Moneni Pirates face Nsingizini Hotspurs in a bid for a spot in the final.
- The PLE Charity Cup champions will receive E400 000.
