LEAGUE FIXTURES DILEMMA FOR PLE

MBABANE – While many anticipate the MTN Premier League’s imminent return, it appears it may not resume until after November.
This delay is due to the national team, Sihlangu, facing a demanding schedule throughout October and early November.This congested timetable will inevitably impact the MTN Premier League, as the league will need to pause at certain points to accommodate the national team’s commitments. The league last played during the weekend of October 5-6 and is currently in its fourth week, having just begun to gain momentum. Mbabane Swallows, who were previously behind, have now caught up with the rest of the teams.

triumph

A highly-anticipated clash between Mbabane Swallows and Green Mamba, a rivalry match that saw Green Mamba triumph 4-1 in the first round last season, is on the horizon. Despite the league’s growing momentum, it must temporarily halt, raising the question of when it will resume given Sihlangu’s packed schedule. Sihlangu Coach, Zdravko Logarusic, has called for prioritisation of Sihlangu’s matches to ensure adequate preparation time for their games, with hopes of achieving success. The reality remains to be seen as to whether the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) will accommodate this request and postpone their fixtures until approximately November 15. It will also be intriguing to see if the league continues without some key players who will be with the national team.

travel

The demanding national team schedule commences, this Friday, when Sihlangu travel to Mozambique for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The match will take place at Zimpeto Stadium, kicking off at 3pm. Three days later, Sihlangu will host the same opponents at Mbombela Stadium, with a kick-off time of 9pm.Sihlangu will also enter a training camp in preparation for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN, which features players from the domestic league. The draw to determine the opponents for the CHAN qualifiers will be conducted today, with matches set for the weekend of October 25-27. The first round of the qualifiers will continue from November 1-3.Sihlangu’s demanding schedule will continue, with Eswatini hosting Guinea Bissau in the AFCON on November 11, followed by a flight to Mali for the second leg of the AFCON, three days later. Logically, this suggests that the league may not return until after November 15.

When reached for comment, PLE Acting Chief Executive Officer Pat Vilakati, was not immediately available. He had previously stated on Monday that a notice regarding the league’s return would be issued, assuring that all stakeholders would be informed before the end of the week. Meanwhile, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe, when asked about the tight schedule and its impact on the league, stated, “It’s the PLE that communicates for the league.” He only commented on Sihlangu’s home game at Mbombela Stadium, saying, “It’s a late match on the day, and it’s a working day on Monday; however, the EFA invites emaSwati who can make it to Mbombela to do so, including those based in Mbombela and the surrounding areas in South Africa.” He added that tickets for the home game, priced at E50, can be purchased at Computicket, not at the gate.

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