BIG BEND – Ubombo Sugar FC, the community-oriented side from Big Bend, has scripted an inspiring turnaround in the 2025/26 MTN Premier League.
As of today, the club occupy 13th place with 18 points from 17 matches. While they have conceded 24 goals against 13 scored, they now boast an 11-point cushion over bottom-placed Manzini Wanderers.
The campaign began disastrously. The team secured just nine points from their opening 12 fixtures, plagued by a leaky defence and late-match fatigue. Low points included a 1–5 home drubbing by Royal Leopard and a demoralising 0–3 loss to Moneni Pirates in December. Coach Milton ‘Spanish’ Dlamini faced heavy criticism as the side looked destined for the drop.
However, the tide turned in mid-January. Ubombo Sugar embarked on a season-best three-match winning streak, tripling their win rate to 60 per cent over the last five games. This resurgence was sparked by a 2–0 win over Malanti Chiefs, followed by a stunning 2–0 away upset of Mbabane Swallows and a gritty 1-0 victory against Sisonkhe. They also carried this momentum into the Ingwenyama Cup, defeating Pigg’s Peak Professionals 3-0.
This tactical evolution is rooted in second-window signings and a shift to a compact formation, yielding three consecutive clean sheets. New arrival Itumeleng Makoneni has been pivotal, providing essential clinical finishing. Despite the surge, challenges remain. With only 13 goals scored all season, creativity is still lacking. Upcoming tests against Ezulwini United and league leaders Nsingizini Hotspurs will determine if this is a genuine mid-table evolution or a temporary reprieve.
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