IN MTN PREMIER LEAGUE AWARDS: ‘TIGER’ ROARS, E21K RICHER

EZULWINI – Mbabane Swallows midfield sensation Neliswa ‘Tiger’  Dlamini is the last player standing in the MTN Premier League.

Following a remarkable campaign with champions Mbabane Swallows, the gifted midfielder was named the Player of the Year in absentia, during a glittering ceremony featuring guests headlined by Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima and MTN Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wandile Mtshali, as well as football bigwigs. The festivities were held at Royal Villas in Ezulwini, last night. The outstanding player has missed the event as he is currently away on national duty at the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

The industrious midlefieder shook off strong competition from Green Mamba marksman and top goalscorer (20 goals) Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, to claim the E15 000 prize. His earnings shot up to E21 000, as he got an extra E6 000 for being named the May Player of the Month. The coveted award was won by Mxolisi Mkhonto, who was with the then champions Green Mamba, last year. The latter now plies his trade with Jwaneng Galaxy, a premiership side from Botswana. Swallows Coach Caleb Ngwenya was deservedly named the winner in his respective category, after surviving a fierce title race to steer his side to their first MTN Premier League title in six years.

The battle for the best goalkeeper gong was equally fierce, with Nsingizini and Sihlangu shot-stopper Sibusiso Dlamini, who is also away with Sihlangu, taking it home ahead of the equally agile Sandanezwe Mathabela of Swallows. Both the outstanding coach and goalkeeper got E10 000 apiece.In the National First Division, Lizwe Dlamini from champions Seven Dreams, was named the best after a stellar season. He got E9 000. In his address, Mtshali congratulated the winners, highlighting that the league was instrumental in promoting football at the grassroots level; encouraging young talent; and fostering a love for the sport across the nation.

“The league remains close to MTN’s heart  “We are exploring initiatives such as purchasing tickets for various games via MoMo,” he said. PLE Chairman Mark Carmichael, on the other hand, also celebrated the strong partnership with MTN, highlighting that the over 20-year union was in the top five in the whole world, in terms of the longest shared sponsorship. Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane, thanked government’s efforts in renovating Somhlolo National Stadium, expressing hope that it would be ready to host Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in September.

 

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