By Musa Mdluli

SITEKI:The football scene in the Lubombo region is buzzing with anticipation as the schedule for the INSTACASH Lubombo Football Association(FA) Cup tournaments was unveiled this week. 

This announcement signals the nearing conclusion of the ongoing Shiselweni tournaments, paving the way for the exciting Lubombo edition.

“We’re thrilled to return to Lubombo for the second edition of the INSTACASH FA Cup tournaments, following the success of last year’s inaugural event,” shared Mandla ‘Cheeks’ Nxumalo. 

He encouraged recruitment agents from all Zonal, Promotional, and Super League teams under the Lubombo Regional Football Association (LRFA) to ramp up their efforts to enhance their chances of qualifying for the tournaments. Each league will see the top four recruiting teams earn spots to compete in a one-day tournament, featuring enticing prizes,including cash, a new soccer kit,a trophy, and gold medals for the champions, alongside cash awards for runners-up and the two teams that fall just short.

“Everyone walks away a winner in one way or another,” Nxumalo explained.

Recruiting agents from all teams were trained and are currently assisting INSTACASH customers in signing up for the popular INSTACASH Funeral Cover, which has gained traction among the emaSwati. 

This member-only cover is open for voluntary registration only to INSTACASH customers aged 18 to 70, offering a E10,000 payout for a monthly premium of just E15 in the event of a member’s passing.

“Signing up for this policy is straightforward.Customers simply dial *365#, select ‘Insurance’, and input the beneficiary’s details, including their name, contact information, national ID number, and relationship,” Nxumalo detailed. Successful registrations prompt an SMS notification allowing immediate premium payment, with prepayments also available. If customers encounter any issues, they can call the toll-free line 365 using their MTN phones for prompt assistance.

To be an INSTACASH customer, one has to register at any INSTACASH agent countrywide. A national ID would be required when registering.

“This initiative is geared towards all emaSwati, designed with affordability and financial inclusion in mind,” added Nxumalo.

In parallel, eBet, a co-sponsor of this year’s INSTACASH FA tournaments, is enthusiastic about expanding awareness and presence across the nation.

Already popular among local punters, eBet allows transactions through INSTACASH for funding betting accounts and withdrawing winnings. 

The tournament champions will sport soccer jerseys boldly inscribed ‘eBet’ on the back, providing ongoing brand visibility for the next three years across 60 communities.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better partner. Our shared commitment to youth development and responsible business growth has strengthened our collaboration. While some benefits are immediate, others will unfold over time, and we appreciate the communities’ support. INSTACASH is quickly becoming the mobile money platform of choice, while eBet has emerged as a favorite among betting sites,” Nxumalo stated. Interested punters can sign up for eBet at www.ebet.co.sz.