MBABANE – MTN Premier League side Royal Leopard will face Police XI on Saturday, August 15, as part of a pre-season tournament hosted in Botswana.
The Eswatini outfit, affectionately known as Ingwemabalabala, departed on Thursday for the fixture series at Mhiko Stadium, which kicks off at 8am. Head coach Edwin ‘Porto’ Matsebula’s squad will test their mettle in the opening match against Police XI, the current club of Eswatini international midfielder Banele ‘Stiga’ Ndzabandzaba.
Following their opening encounter, Leopard are scheduled to play Jwaneng Young Stars at midday before returning home on Monday, August 17. The travelling squad features key figures including Simanga ‘Stina’ Masangane, Hleliso ‘Muah’ Gamedze, and Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini.
Ndzabandzaba re-joined Police XI last season following the conclusion of his loan spell at Botswana Defence Force (BDF) XI. At the close of the Botswana Premier League campaign in June, two Eswatini players had cause for celebration after successfully guiding their respective clubs clear of the relegation zone to secure top-flight football for another season.
Ndzabandzaba’s Police XI finished the campaign in 11th place with 32 points from 30 matches, accumulating enough points down the stretch to ensure a comfortable distance from the drop zone. Compatriot Mxolisi Mkhonto similarly enjoyed a triumphant end to the season, helping BDF XI retain their elite status as the side finished on 30 points from 30 outings.
Ndzabandzaba’s strong club performances earned him a return to the national team setup last year after a six-year absence. He was named in the Sihlangu squad for the October 2025 matches against Angola and Cape Verde during the nation’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Pre-season tournament fixtures
Police XI vs Royal Leopard 8am
Kanye United vs Jwaneng Young Stars 10am
Young Stars vs Leopard 12pm
Police XI vs Kanye 3pm
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