MBABANE – South African footballers are leaving an indelible mark on Eswatini’s Premier League this season, with 12 cross-border imports plying their trade across four of the top-flight’s clubs.
Mbabane Highlanders AM boast the largest South African contingent, with five players in their ranks. Moneni Pirates and Amawele feature three apiece, while reigning champions Nsingizini Hotspurs maintain two within their squad.
Highlanders’ South African unit includes pacey wingers Zwelihle Phewa and Hopewell Cele, midfielder Simiso Gumede, defender Sikhumbuzo Mazibuko and forward Nkosivumile Zulu. The capital city outfit are currently backed by the flamboyant South African businesswoman Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize.
Moneni Pirates have similarly bolstered their squad for the 2026/27 campaign by tapping into the development pipeline of Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. The trio of Reggy Williams, Katlego Moloi and Refiloe ‘Udo’ Madu have all crossed the border to join the Moneni ‘Buccaneers’, deepening the South African imprint on the side.
Meanwhile, Chief Ally Kgomongwe announced his return to Eswatini football in dramatic fashion following his acquisition of Mbabane-based side Amawele. The club have since completed the headline signing of former Kaizer Chiefs midfield playmaker Siphelele Ntshangase, ending his three-year exile from professional football.
Ntshangase arrives from SAFA Limpopo ABC Motsepe League outfit Mohlabile United, having also spent a brief spell with Makotopong Bahumi in the same division last term. He becomes the latest South African arrival at Amawele, joining compatriots Aichel Calane and Junior Letwaba, both of whom have already featured in domestic league and cup fixtures. Two further South African signings are expected to be unveiled once their registration formalities are finalised.
Reigning MTN Premier League champions Nsingizini Hotspurs have preserved their own South African core through Senzo ‘Mbhobho’ Ndlovu and Vuyo Macina. Ndlovu, who joined last season, finished amongst the league’s top scorers as Hotspurs secured a memorable league and Ingwenyama Cup double, with Macina playing a crucial role in that campaign.
The MTN Premier League is currently on a brief weekend hiatus and is scheduled to resume next week.
Some South Africans in Eswatini’s top-flight
Senzo ‘Mbhobho’ Ndlovu — Nsingizini Hotspurs
Vuyo Macina — Nsingizini Hotspurs
Hopewell Cele — Mbabane Highlanders AM
Nkosivumile Zulu — Mbabane Highlanders AM
Smiso Gumede — Mbabane Highlanders AM
Sikhumbuzo Mazibuko — Mbabane Highlanders AM
Zwelihle Phewa-Mbabane Highlanders AM
Reggy Williams — Moneni Pirates
Katlego Moloi — Moneni Pirates
Refiloe ‘Udo’ Madu — Moneni Pirates
Siphelele Ntshangase — Amawele
Aichel Calane — Amawele
Junior Letwaba — Amawele
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