The beauty of the Ingwenyama Cup

I've always been of the view that as Swazis we need to find exactly what works for us, across all spheres of life, and when we do, focus on that. The Ingwenyama Cup, the unique tournament which brings together football and Swazi culture, is exactly that.

This tournament, now three years old and a brainchild of His Majesty King Mswati III, is, and always will be, a brilliant idea. On Sunday at Somhlolo National Stadium as the third edition reached its conclusion, I felt prouder than ever to be Swazi. Where else in the world do you see culture and football mixed together to produce such a festival of brilliance?

The cherry on top, His Majesty gracing the event with the Royal household. What a magical moment it was when he greeted his people at halftime of the football final between Mbabane Swallows and Royal Leopard.

Before that final, a variety of cultural groups had performed in front of a packed Somhlolo. From Timbongi to Ingadla to Sibhaca to Lutsango, the very best of Swazi culture was showcased. It was beautiful. Incredibly beautiful.

Then came the football match. An engaging affair watched by a passionate crowd, it was a match worth to be watched by Royalty. Of the 22 players who took to the field, only one was not Swazi, the Mbabane Swallows defender Stanley Umukoro. The rest, all Swazi. A truly Swazi affair it was.

What Sunday showed us is that we, Swazis, are capable. Capable of just about anything and everything. We are a beautiful people with a unique way of doing things. It's high time we realise that we don't need to copy anyone in everything that we do.

The Ingwenyama Cup sets us apart and for that reason it should stay. This tournament should grow from strength to strength. The hope is that the sponsors, SMVAF, and the Premier League of Swaziland  (PLS) reach an agreement to extended the deal beyond this third edition.

We need more of this truly Swazi extravaganza. We need more of stages that give Swazis opportunities to shine. The Ingwenyama Cup is exactly that!