MBABANE – The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) is determined to breathe new life into the country’s development league this season after the competition was sidelined last term.
According to the organisation’s 2026/27 budget, E400 000 (approximately US$25 000) has been allocated specifically to resurrect the grassroots competition for top-flight clubs.
In recent seasons, the Development League title has been contested by the junior sides of MTN Premier League clubs, forming a key part of the club licensing requirements set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Traditionally known as the Under-19 League, it has been staged on a one-legged basis. However, the competition failed to get underway at all last season and was not even staged during the off-season, despite earlier assurances from the PLE.
The league’s governing body attributed the delay to a shortage of playing venues and said it was to be played during the off-season. Yet the competition remains inactive to this day.
There have also been discussions about restructuring the league into an Under-17 competition and expanding it on a national scale so that more development teams can take part.
Part of that conversation was linked to proposals to convert the MulaSport National First Division into a development league of Under-23 players. Those plans, however, have stalled.
However, the budget documents make clear that the chronic underfunding remain the biggest obstacle for the league. Although E400 000 was budgeted last season, the funds never materialised. The same figure has once again been allocated for the coming campaign.
Young Buffaloes remain the reigning champions after claiming the 2024/25 title from Royal Leopard.
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