MBABANE:In a significant boost for youth sports in Eswatini, INSTACASH Managing Director Mandla Cheeks Mnguni Nxumalo has announced a three(3)-year partnership with the Eswatini Schools Sports Association (ESSA) during a prize presentation ceremony held on September 18, 2024, at the SNAT Centre in Manzini.
The partnership, valued at R1.4million, will fund the INSTACASH Schools Soccer tournaments, with an initial allocation of over four hundred thousand Rands(R400.000.00) for the upcoming year, increasing by a minimum of 10 percent annually.
The announcement comes as a welcome development for schools participating in soccer, a sport that has been gaining popularity among the youth in the region.
Nxumalo\'s commitment to this extended sponsorship aims to create a sustainable platform for the development of soccer at the school level, laying the groundwork for future talent to emerge in Eswatini.
During the ceremony, Nxumalo presented cash prizes to the top-performing teams of the 2024 tournament. Manzini Central clinched the championship title, taking home thirty thousand Rands(R30,000.00), while Evelyn Baring, the first runners-up, received twenty thousand Rands(R20,000.00).
Elangeni High and Ndzangu High secured third and fourth places, respectively, earning ten thousand Rands(R10,000.00) and five thousand Rands(R5,000.00) for their efforts.
The event was attended by Thandi Nkambule, Senior Inspector of Sports in the Ministry of Education and Training, Darium Dlomo, CEO of the Sports and Recreation Council, along with head teachers, sports educators, and team captains from various schools.
Nxumalo stressed the importance of investing in community initiatives rather than solely relying on traditional advertising methods.
“Our approach is to create a meaningful impact within the community through direct investments.By supporting ESSA and the schools, we aim to uplift young athletes while enhancing the quality of school sports in Eswatini,” he said.
This partnership also serves as a model for corporate engagement in local communities, showcasing how businesses can play a vital role in fostering growth and development in sports.
Nxumalo further highlighted ESSA's professionalism in organizing the tournament, which ensures that high standards are maintained throughout the competition.
“Together, we are not just sponsoring tournaments; we are building a robust framework for school sports that will benefit generations to come," he added. Nxumalo's vision for the partnership aligns with INSTACASH\'s broader mission to contribute positively to the communities it serves.
As Eswatini's newest mobile money operator, INSTACASH offers a range of services, including money transfers, airtime purchases, electricity sales, and sports betting funding, making it a key player in the financial landscape of the nation.
The company aims to leverage its marketing budget to foster initiatives that resonate with the community, thereby reinforcing its presence and commitment to social responsibility.
The INSTACASH Schools Soccer sponsorship is poised to make a lasting impact, not only enriching the soccer experience for students but also nurturing future stars of the sport.
With an increasing investment each year, the initiative promises to elevate the quality of school sports across Eswatini, inspiring participation and competitiveness among young athletes. As the tournament grows, so too does the potential for local talent to rise, showcasing the power of collaboration between corporate entities and educational institutions.
INSTACASH announces R1.4million three-year sponsorship for Schools Soccer in Eswatini.