SOCCER – For the past two years, the 8BET Trade Fair Cup has delivered more than thrilling football. It has produced unforgettable moments, packed stadiums, passionate supporters, community celebrations and opportunities that stretched beyond the touchline.
On July 19, football lovers will once again gather to relive those memories while eagerly awaiting the next chapter of one of Eswatini football’s most celebrated partnerships.
The official launch of the third edition of the 8BET Trade Fair Cup will take place at Mavuso Sports Centre, where supporters will also enjoy a FIFA World Cup Final watch party in what organisers have described as a full-day celebration of the beautiful game.
The event also comes at a significant moment, with the current sponsorship agreement between the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) and title sponsors 8BET nearing its conclusion. While no announcement has yet been made on whether the partnership will continue beyond this season, organisers expressed optimism as they prepare for another memorable tournament.
Speaking during the tournament build-up and media engagement held at Sigwaca House yesterday, 8BET Head of Marketing Mnqobi Tsabedze reflected on the journey the competition has taken since the company came on board as title sponsor three years ago.
He said what started as a football competition has grown into a platform that brings together clubs, supporters, businesses and communities.
“Football is not just business; it is good business,” Tsabedze said. “It creates opportunities for clubs, supporters, entrepreneurs and brands. Most importantly, it brings people together around something they love.”
Tsabedze said this year’s launch has been designed to be more than a formal ceremony, with supporters invited to experience football in a unique way by combining the launch with the FIFA World Cup Final.
Rather than competing with one of world football’s biggest occasions, he said the organisers wanted to use the global spectacle to ignite another exciting chapter for local football. Supporters attending the launch can expect entertainment, giveaways, fan engagement activities and opportunities to interact with their favourite clubs before watching the World Cup Final together.
“The launch belongs to the supporters. We want them to come, create memories and be part of the tournament’s story from the beginning,” he said.
Tsabedze also welcomed the support of partners including MultiChoice Eswatini, Nando’s Eswatini and Tribe Studios, saying their involvement reflects growing confidence in the tournament’s vision.
PLE Executive Committee member Sandile ‘Beyond 2000’ Zwane described the partnership between the league, 8BET and the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) as one that has transformed local football.
“For the past two years we have worked together to ensure the sport continues to grow. The return of the Trade Fair Cup has not only contributed to social development but has united Emaswati through football,” Zwane said.
He also thanked 8BET for investing E7.5 million over the three-year sponsorship period, saying the support has played a major role in strengthening the competition.
As anticipation builds towards July 19, supporters will not only be celebrating another edition of the tournament but also reflecting on a partnership that has helped create lasting football memories while hoping the journey continues beyond this season.
