MBABANE – Will the Mbabane derby be played in a safe haven this season?
That could be the burning question on every fan’s mind as the scars from the chaotic Mbabane derby at Mavuso Sports Centre on April 27, 2025, linger fresh in their memories.
This could be so as the MTN Premier League’s crown jewel is just three fixtures away. While the calendar year is drawing to a close, the traditional rivalry between Mbabane Swallows and Mbabane Highlanders is set to reignite early in the new year. According to Swallows’ provisional next three fixtures schedule, the two giants are slated for a collision on Sunday, January 4.
However, the shadow of the previous encounter from last season still looms large. Action boiled over from the pitch to the sideways. The lack of goals was eclipsed by a different kind of derby; a skirmish between officials and fans that resulted in fistfights and arrests. In the dying moments of the match, police were forced into action, dispersing the crowds with what appeared like a grenade.
However, sources close to the matter have revealed that behind-the-scenes efforts are ongoing to secure Somhlolo National Stadium for the clash between ‘Birds’ and the ‘Black Bull’. Despite these moves, the first-round hosts, Umkhonto KaShaka, have tentatively indicated that the fixture remains earmarked for Manzini as per the next three games schedule.
“Mavuso is currently a tentative venue as the official PLE (Premier League of Eswatini) fixture has not yet been released. The venue remains subject to change, pending the outcome of the ongoing talks,’’ the source said.
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