By Bongiwe Dlamini

Eswatini's newest mobile money operator,INSTACASH,has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots soccer by announcing a substantial sponsorship of E297,000.00 for the Shiselweni Regional Football Association(SRFA). 

This funding is allocated for the second edition of the INSTACASH Shiselweni FA Cup tournaments, representing an impressive increase of nearly 100 percent from the previous year’s sponsorship of E160,000.

Mandla ‘Cheeks’ Nxumalo, the Managing Director of INSTACASH, emphasised that this sponsorship illustrates his company's dedication to promoting sports and youth development at the grassroots level. He noted that the insights gained from engaging directly with communities have played a crucial role in shaping INSTACASH’s offerings, particularly in targeting their youth demographic.

Nxumalo pointed out that the recent introduction of the INSTACASH Funeral Cover serves as a direct response to community feedback.

This innovative product allows members to pay E15 in monthly premiums, which ensures a payout of E10,000 to designated beneficiaries upon the member's death.

The criteria for participating teams in this year’s tournament will focus on their ability to convert existing customers to this funeral cover, highlighting the integration of community needs into the fabric of the company's services.

The tournament will feature a total of 18 competitions across various leagues, including Zonal, Promotional, and Super leagues in the Shiselweni region, kicking off in September.

Each league champion will receive not only prize money but also a brand new full soccer kit, thereby incentivizing participation and fostering a competitive spirit among local teams.

Nxumalo said this initiative by INSTACASH underscores the company’s broader vision of intertwining financial services with community-centric projects, ultimately aiming to uplift the standard of living through sports.

But by backing local football, INSTACASH is not only nurturing talent but also building a stronger sense of community engagement and support among the youth.

As the tournament approaches, excitement is building in the Shiselweni region, with teams looking forward to showcasing their skills and competing for the coveted title. 

The increased sponsorship amount reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sports in uniting communities and providing opportunities for young athletes to shine.

INSTACASH is setting a precedent by investing in grassroots soccer, which not only enhances the local sports landscape but also aligns with the company's mission to empower youth and promote sustainable community development. 

The partnership with the SRFA serves as a testament to the positive impact that corporate involvement can have on local sporting initiatives, creating a win-win situation for the business and the communities it serves.