SOCCER – Fans have thrown their weight behind Ubombo Sugar and defending champions Mbabane Highlanders AM as their preferred winners of this year’s Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Charity Cup, adding another dimension to the competition’s predictions debate.
In responses to a poll on the tournament, supporters identified the two sides as strong contenders for the coveted trophy, while Nsingizini Hotspurs also received backing, with one fan affectionately referring to their youthful squad as the ‘Cocomelons’, drawing inspiration from the popular children’s entertainment show.
The fans’ predictions provide an interesting contrast to opinions gathered from local football players and coaches ahead of today’s action.
Players have tipped Ubombo Sugar and Moneni Pirates as the teams to beat, largely citing their quality recruitment and promising start to the season. Coaches, on the other hand, have been reluctant to identify outright favourites, arguing that preparation, mental strength and tactical execution will determine who eventually lifts the trophy.
Among the fans, however, Ubombo appear to have attracted considerable support, with several supporters openly declaring their allegiance to the Sugar Boys.
“Bafana bashukela nje,” one fan commented, while others simply backed them with remarks such as ‘Sugar Boys’ and “Ubombo FC”. Mbabane Highlanders AM, who are the defending champions, also enjoyed strong backing, with supporters making their preference clear.
“The defending champions Mbabane Highlanders,” one fan declared, while another simply wrote “Mbabane Highlanders AMFC”.
Nsingizini Hotspurs also found their way into the conversation through the playful ‘Cocomelon’ reference, highlighting the attention their youthful squad has attracted among supporters.
Interestingly, Moneni Pirates, despite being the reigning 8Bet Trade Fair Cup champions, did not feature as prominently among the fan responses, despite receiving backing from players in the wider predictions debate.
The predictions will now face the ultimate test on the pitch as the four sides battle for places in the final.
Highlanders and Ubombo Sugar open the semi-final programme at 9am, while Moneni Pirates take on Nsingizini Hotspurs at 11am. The two winners will then meet in the final scheduled for 4pm at Somhlolo National Stadium.
With players, coaches and supporters offering differing assessments of the contenders, the Charity Cup promises an intriguing conclusion, with the teams ultimately having to prove their credentials on the field.
