20, below for PLE Young Player Award

MBABANE – With the curtain having already fallen on the elite league season, it is time for hardworking individuals to reap their rewards.

The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), as announced during the 2025/26 MTN Premier League sponsorship launch, introduced an award that recognises development. The organisation, through Vice Chairman Sithembiso ‘Ngudze’ Mamba, announced that they will introduce a Youngest Best Player of the Season Award. In addition to this, the Player’s Player Award has also been launched.

The presentation ceremony is expected to be held before the end of this month.

The best young player of the recently concluded season will be awarded E6 000, while the inaugural winner of the Players’ Player Award will take home a mouth-watering prize of E10 000. Reports indicate that the cut-off age to qualify for the youth award is 20 years old and below.

PLE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati revealed more details regarding the selection criteria during yesterday’s national radio sports show with host Mfanyana Magongo.

Vilakati said contenders must have featured in at least 75 per cent of the matches this season. Mbabane Swallows forward Njongo ‘Jakalazi’ Mazibuko, Moneni Pirates’ Sibonelo ‘Mzala’ Vilakati and Royal Leopard’s Hleliso ‘Muah’ Gamedze feature on the list of players aged 20 and below.

“Registering alone does not mean that the player qualifies; they should have played a certain percentage of games,” he said.

Gamedze finished as the top goal scorer of the season with 19 goals. The ended season saw Nsingizini emerge victorious after defending their league title, meanwhile Moneni Pirates and Mbabane Swallows finished inside the top eight.

In the Botswana FNB Premiership, Township Rollers midfielder Phillip Kaku won the Young Player of the Season Award after scoring four goals and providing two assists in 28 games.