By Bongiwe Dlamini

SITEKI:In an exciting development for local football enthusiasts,INSTACASH,Eswatini’s newest mobile money operator,together with sports betting giant eBet,have announced a substantial one hundred and forty-right thousand, five hundred Rands(R148,500.00)sponsorship for the Lubombo Regional Football Association (LRFA). 

The sponsorship,unveiled by Managing Director Mandla ‘Cheeks’ Nxumalo,will fund the hosting of nine(9) tournaments across the Lubombo region, enhancing the region’s competitive football landscape.

This year’s financial commitment marks a significant increase from last year’s R120,000.00 reflecting INSTACASH’s dedication to developing soccer at the grassroots level. 

Nxumalo emphasized that the initiative is not merely about football; it aims to establish a permanent presence for INSTACASH in local communities, facilitating easier access to financial services for the unbanked, youth, women, farmers, and other underserved groups.

\"The INSTACASH Lubombo FA Cup is a platform for nurturing local talent while providing our communities with essential financial services.Our goal is to promote inclusivity and empower various demographics, ensuring everyone has a stake in both sports and financial health”, said the INSTACASH during the launch of the sponsorship.

On another,collaborating up with eBet,one of the country’s foremost sports betting firms, adds an additional layer of community engagement to the sponsorship. 

Nobandzi Dlamini, eBet’s Marketing Manager, expressed her company’s commitment to giving back to the community. 

“Partnering with INSTACASH for this tournament is part of our belief in supporting local initiatives that have the potential to uplift our youth and communities," she remarked.

 Lubombo Regional Football Association(LRFA) Chairman Ace Mashwama praised the increased sponsorship, recognizing INSTACASH as a loyal partner in the quest for sporting excellence. 

“This partnership is crucial for the development of football in our region. With the added funds, we can enhance the quality of our tournaments and provide better opportunities for our players,”Mashwama noted.

 The introduction of the INSTACASH Lubombo FA Cup follows similar sponsorship announcements for the Hhohho FA Cup and the Shiselweni FA Cup over the past two weeks.

The Manzini region launch is set to take place on August 3, further solidifying INSTACASH’s commitment to fostering a vibrant football culture across Eswatini.

 As part of these football tournaments, this year INSTACASH is promoting its innovative Funeral Cover product, launched this past February. For a monthly premium of R15, this member-only cover provides beneficiaries with R10,000 in the event of a member’s demise. Aimed exclusively at INSTACASH customers aged 18 to 70,this offering underscores the company’s focus on financial inclusion and security for its clients.