MBABANE – Despite a record 13 top-flight league titles, Shauwn Mkhize’s Mbabane Highlanders AM have never won the MTN Premier League during its 24-year sponsorship.
When MTN Eswatini first attached its brand to the top flight during the 2002/03 campaign, Manzini Wanderers claimed the inaugural crown. Over the subsequent 24 seasons, Highlanders have watched rival after rival ascend the throne, while the league’s marquee trophy has continuously eluded their cabinet.
Data from the Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation confirms that ‘Inkunzi Emnyama’ remain the most successful club in Eswatini football history with 13 league titles. Capital rivals Mbabane Swallows and police side Royal Leopard trail behind with eight crowns apiece.
As the new campaign enters week two, the hunger at the Bull’s kraal appears sharper than ever, particularly after finishing as runners-up in the agonisingly close 2021/22 title race. Public Relations Officer (PRO) Thabiso ‘Touch’ Manyatsi has firmly declared the team’s intention to halt the agonising wait.
Head Coach Floyd Mogale went a step further following an opening goalless draw with Green Mamba, asserting that failing to deliver the league crown by May 2027 would leave him with no option but to step down.
Another local giant sharing the unwanted record of never winning an MTN Premier League title is Moneni Pirates.
Fresh from capturing the 2026 8Bet Trade Fair Cup, Pirates PRO Meluleki ‘Sluga’ Simelane noted that securing the league title is the sole pathway into next season’s CAF Champions League, which is a target equally prioritised by Highlanders.
MTN Premier League Roll of Honour (Since 2002/03):
2002/03: Manzini Wanderers
2003/04: Mhlambanyatsi Rovers
2004/05: Mbabane Swallows
2005/06: Royal Leopard
2006/07: Royal Leopard
2007/08: Royal Leopard
2008/09: Mbabane Swallows
2009/10: Young Buffaloes
2010/11: Green Mamba
2011/12: Mbabane Swallows
2012/13: Mbabane Swallows
2013/14: Royal Leopard
2014/15: Royal Leopard
2015/16: Royal Leopard
2016/17: Mbabane Swallows
2017/18: Mbabane Swallows
2018/19: Green Mamba
2019/20: Young Buffaloes
2020/21: Royal Leopard
2021/22: Royal Leopard
2022/23: Green Mamba
2023/24: Mbabane Swallows
2024/25: Nsingizini Hotspurs
2025/26: Nsingizini Hotspurs
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