The much anticipated third edition of the INSTACASH Schools Soccer Tournament is set to kick off this month end.
This was revealed by the Eswatini Schools Sports Association (ESSA), the tournament always start at branch level, where 15 branches will battle it out leading to each branch champion proceeding to the Top 16 knockout tournament.
The 16th school is a wildcard pick by the sponsor, and is usually a school that has shown the best discipline and attracted the most support during the Branch level qualifiers.
The top 16 is then drawn into four groups, each representing each region. Regional champions proceed to national semifinals and finals.
This year’s semifinals, according to INSTACASH Managing Director Mandla ‘Cheeks’ Nxumalo will be held at King Sobhuza Stadium in Nhlangano, in line with ESSA’s (Eswatini Schools Sports Association) plan of hosting the semifinals in every region.
In 2023, the semifinals were hosted in Manzini Region, at Manzini Club, while the 2024 semifinals were held in the Lubombo Region at Mayaluka Stadium. Next year’s semifinals are expected to be held in the Hhohho Region.
The finals are likely to be held at Somhlolo Stadium sometime in June.
INSTACASH committed about E1,4million over three starting this year til 2027 towards this tournament which continues to produce stars who now ply their trade in the premier league and other national leagues.
Which school do you think will emerge as champions this year?.
INSTACASH Schools Soccer tournament kicks off March