MBABANE, ESWATINI – A somber mood has engulfed local football following reports that former Eswatini national team midfielder, Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule, passed away this morning, March 24, 2026.
The news of the midfield maestro’s death quickly spread across social media. His father, himself a former footballer, confirmed that the Manzini Wanderers captain died after struggling with respiratory issues. He noted that these health challenges began after an injury for the former Mbabane Highlanders player.
Nkambule will be remembered for his standout performance during the final edition of the now-defunct Eswatini Post and Telecommunication Corporation (EPTC) Charity Cup at Somhlolo National Stadium in 2019. Under the leadership of former Managing Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe, Mlaba was instrumental in helping Inkunzi’emnyama claim the trophy. His contributions earned him the Player of the Series title after he was named Player of the Match in both the opening fixture against Royal Leopard and the final against Manzini Wanderers—the club he was represented at the time of his passing.
The former Sihlangu international made his mark on the national stage during the era of Coach Anthony Mdluli. His career began at Yellow Tigers in the Mbabane Promotion League before he caught the eye of former Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga, who signed him for Umbelebele.
Known for his exceptional left foot, the playmaker later moved to Denver Sundowns, where he served as captain, before joining Mbabane Highlanders. He eventually moved to Manzini Wanderers and had a brief loan spell with Mbabane Swallows while the ‘Weslians’ were involved in legal disputes regarding their top-flight status.
Mlaba rejoined his beloved Wanderers at the start of the current season. This followed the announcement by Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Polycarp Dlamini that the team had officially returned to the premier league after a season away from the elite division.
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