MANZINI – Manzini Sea Birds’ playmaker Philani Mkhonto and Nsingizini Hotspurs’ versatile full-back Kwakhe Thwala are Eswatini’s most expensive players.
This is according to the latest data from Transfermarkt, the internationally-recognised football database that tracks player market values, transfers and statistics.
Valued at **E1.4 million**, Mkhonto shares the top spot with Thwala, who is also worth the same amount.
Transfermarkt uses a combination of expert evaluations, market activity, performance data, age, position, contract length and demand to determine a player’s market value. Its rankings are widely used by clubs, agents and analysts to gauge player worth and to guide transfers. The platform also helps spotlight homegrown talent, ensuring players and clubs are recognised and fairly valued.
Mkhonto, the creative heartbeat of Sea Birds’ midfield, has impressed with his vision, passing and composure under pressure. The midfielder has already scored three goals in four league games this season and has 19 caps with three goals for the national team, Sihlangu.
Notably, Mkhonto previously played for Mbabane Highlanders before joining Manzini Sea Birds last season.
Kwakhe Thwala matches Mkhonto’s value and pedigree. The Nsingizini Hotspurs midfielder has 24 national team caps with one goal and previously played for Young Buffaloes and Mbabane Swallows. Thwala has also attracted interest from Durban City in South Africa and ZESCO United in Zambia, underlining his reputation as one of Eswatini football’s premier talents.
Following Thwala, the next most valuable players are all tied at **E1 million**: Simanga Masangane (Royal Leopard), Gift Gamedze (Royal Leopard), Mzwandile Mabelesa (Royal Leopard), Neliswa Senzo Dlamini (Nsingizini Hotspurs) and Andy Junior Magagula (Royal Leopard).
Magagula has drawn attention from DR Congo clubs AS Vita and AS Maniema Union, making him one of the most sought-after Eswatini exports.
Other notable valuations include Banele Sikhondze (Green Mamba, **E500 000**), formerly from Tanzania’s Tabora United and Mbabane Swallows captain Newman Philiso (E500 000). At Mbabane Highlanders, chairman-player Andile Mpisane is also valued at E500 000.
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