MBABANE – It is a massive sigh of relief for Mbabane Swallows ahead of their high-stakes clash with first-round ‘champions-elect’, Nsingizini Hotspurs.
The two sides are set to meet in the final fixture of the 2025/26 MTN Premier League’s first-half, but the ‘Birds’ have been handed a major advantage. Nsingizini, who secured their maiden E120 000 first-round incentive last Saturday following a 1-0 victory over regional rivals Rangers, will have to face Swallows without three key defenders due to suspension.
Headlining the list of the suspended players, released by the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) is former ‘Umkhonto KaShaka’ assistant Captain Kingsley Kwakyi. According to a circular issued by PLE Chief Executive Officer Pat ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati, the former Swallows assistant skipper is ruled out of the very match where his team will be officially crowned.
While the presentation of the E120 000 ‘carrot’ is scheduled for this Saturday at the iconic King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, Kwakyi and defensive partners Nkosingphile Shongwe and Vuyo Macina will be forced to watch the celebrations from the stands. Notably, versatile defender Kwakhe Thwala is also away for assessment in Zimbabwe.
The disciplinary blow extends beyond the leaders. Young Buffaloes will face struggling Manzini Wanderers at Mayaluka Stadium on Sunday without goalkeeper Mlungisi Nxumalo and midfielder Innocent Dlamini.
Ezulwini United hope to finish the first stanza on a high against rookies Amawele at Nsukuwansuku Stadium, but they must do so without the influential Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini.
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