MANZINI:Eswatini’s newest and third(3rd) mobile money operator INSTACASH, in partnership with betting company eBet, have announced a sponsorship for independent soccer leagues within the Manzini region amounting to one hundred and sixty-two thousand Rands(R162,000.00).
The announcement was made by INSTACASH Managing Director Mandla ‘Cheeks’ Nxumalo at the Manzini National Library on Friday morning and will benefit teams currently unaffiliated to the Manzini Regional Football Association (MRFA).
The tournament will engage twelve(12)independent leagues from diverse areas within Manzini, creating an exciting one-day event where four(4) teams will compete for impressive prizes.
Nxumalo highlighted the event's dual objectives: promoting football talent and fostering community financial services.
“This tournament is more than just a game; it’s a platform for us to empower our communities through sport and financial literacy,” he said.
Participants will compete for various prizes, including a soccer kit valued at five thousand Rands(R5,000.00) and one thousand Rands(R1,000.00) in cash, a trophy, and medals for the champions.
On another note, runners-up will receive one thousand five Rands(R1,500.00), while third and fourth places will earn R1,000.00.
The top goal scorer will be rewarded with two hundred and fifty Rands(R250.00) and an additional two thousand Rands(R2,000.00) is set aside for administrative costs, creating a total prize pool of R162,000.00.
Nxumalo announced plans to facilitate the opening of Instacash accounts during the tournament, aiming to integrate their financial services with local community needs.
To enhance local business engagement, nearby shops will receive a fresh paint job, reinforcing community spirit during the games.
The tournament aims to showcase local talent and invite team representatives to support Instacash’s initiatives.
Nxumalo noted the impactful legacy of previous events, referencing Sambulo 'Masoso’ Simelane, who was scouted during the 2023 Instacash School Sports Tournament and later joined the national team.
To qualify for this tournament, team representatives will receive training on a new INSTACASH funeral cover plan, offered at E15 a month for a ten thousand Rands(R10,000.00) payout.
Nxumalo expressed hopes that this initiative could lead to lucrative opportunities, sharing a success story of a representative who registered one thousand(1,000) customers and became an Instacash agent.
As excitement builds,Nxumalo encouraged all team representatives to promote Instacash.
“Let’s work together to grow this community and ensure that talents are recognized, opportunities are created, and satisfaction is provided through our services,” he said.
The inaugural tournament of the Instacash Football Association is anticipated to be a milestone event, paving the way for future competitions and community upliftment in Eswatini.
The launch was also attended by representatives from eBet, Oracle Insurance,Hospice at Home, Select Limited, and the Royal Eswatini Police Services, marking a collaborative effort to enhance community engagement through sports.
INSTACASH Managing Director Mandla ‘Cheeks’ Nxumalo.