The 16th edition of the Eswatini Bank Cup was launched in style at the Royal Swazi Convention Centre in Ezulwini on Monday morning.

The Honourable Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries Bulunga was joined by a host of dignitaries including Secretary to Cabinet Mbuso Dlamini, Eswatini Football Association President Adam Mthethwa and Premier League of Eswatini Chairman Peter Magagula, at the colourful event which also saw the last 32 draw being conducted.

Making his remarks, the Honourable Minister praised Eswatini Bank for continuously backing the tournament.

"The Eswatini Bank Cup needs no introduction. This tournament has become synonymous with Eswatini football and its mention evokes beautiful memories from the beautiful and legendary editions of yesteryear. Almost everyone in football has a story to tell about the Eswatini Bank Cup. It is for that reason that I find it important to thank Eswatini Bank for their continued, excellent backing of this tournament," the Minister said.

Eswatini Bank Cup Managing Director Zakhele Dlamini announced that the total sponsorship package for this year’s tournament would be E2.9 million, up by E300 000 from last season. Meanwhile, this year’s champions will pocket E1.1 million. As was the case in last year’s edition, the tournament will be made up of three wings namely the main, U-20 and women’s tournaments. 

The main tournament will kickoff on Friday. The package for the women’s tournament has been doubled from E75 000 last season to E150 000 this year.

In the main tournament’s last 32 draw, defending champions Young Buffaloes were paired with Shiselweni Super League side Shooting Stars while runners up Manzini Wanderers will take on Mbabane City.

Main tournament last 32 draw:

Zibonele vs Green Mamba
City Warriors vs M. Highlanders
Madlenya vs Royal Leopard
Shooting Stars vs Young Buffaloes
Royal Swallows or Hub vs M. Swallows
Burning Spears vs Vovovo
Seven Dreams vs Malanti
Milling Hotspurs vs M. Sundowns
Movers or Ludzeludze Killers vs Sea Birds
Rangers vs Moneni Pirates
Illovo vs Tambuti
Mbabane City vs M. Wanderers
Tycoons vs M. Citizens
Rail Utd vs Matsapha
Red Lions vs Black Swallows
Callies vs Tinyosi