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‘BUCS’, ‘BULL’ HEADLINE ‘Y’ELLO’ ROUND ONE

11/09/2024 09:32:00 Machawe Fakudze

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MBABANE – The wait is over!
The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), through the office of the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pat Vilakati, released the much-anticipated fixtures for both the MTN Premier and National First Division Leagues. The PLE, as per the norm in a new season, did not release a master fixture pending the marathon relegation saga involving Manzini Wanderers and the already relegated Denver Sundowns. The matter is in court and will be heard on September 18, 2024.The PLE, when releasing the week one programme, explained that the master fixture had been delayed due to the pending court case.“The release of the master fixture has been delayed due to the pending court case where one member club has challenged the decision by Eswatini Football Association (EFA) judicial bodies regarding protest lodged,” reads an extract from the circular.The Polycarp Dlamini-chaired organisation, however, advised that they were still waiting for the approval of the 2024/25 MTN Premier League Rules and Regulations by the EFA.

unpredictable

Headlining the week one fixtures is the game between 2024 8Bet Trade Fair Cup runners-up Moneni Pirates, who will lock horns with the unpredictable Mbabane Highlanders. This match will form part of a double-header penned for the Mavuso Sports Centre, on Sunday. This game is expected to start at 4pm, as per the schedule. It will be preceded by another mouth-watering clash between Royal Leopard and 8Bet Trade Fair Cup third-placed Nsingizini Hotspurs at 1:30pm.The first games of the season have been slated for the Nsukuwansuku Stadium at Mhlume, which will witness a double-header. Newly-promoted Sisonke will be ushered into the elite league by Madlenya at 1:30pm. Reigning MTN Premier League champions Green Mamba will be in action at 3:30pm.

According to the programme, two matches will be played on Sunday at the KaLanga Technical Centre and the Nsukuwansuku Stadium. Illovo will play host to Young Buffaloes, starting at 3pm. The other match will be between Manzini Sea Birds and returnees Sidwashini United at Mhlume and has been penned to start at 2pm.Meanwhile, defending Champions Mbabane Swallows are set to begin their title defence at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium on Wednesday. Umkhonto KaShaka will play host to Ezulwini United in a game scheduled to commence at 3pm.The PLE, on the other hand, also released the 2024/25 MTN National First Division week one fixtures to be played both Saturday and Sunday.