MBABANE — As the MTN Premier League gathers pace, Chief Ally Kgomongwe’s Amawele are still searching for an elusive win.
They face Celtics tomorrow on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Tambankulu Stadium, marking their third game of the new season. Amawele suffered a 3-0 defeat against Ezulwini United during their opening campaign before going down 1-4 to Mbabane Highlanders AM, a match that ruined former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase’s debut.
Conversely, Batoze Bavume, as Celtics are affectionately known, have a solitary point to their name after a draw with elite-league returnees Madlenya. They also fell short in a 2-0 loss to 10-man Green Mamba on October 2, 2026.
Amawele have reportedly snapped up former Mbabane Highlanders AM skipper Vusi ‘Ramos’ Vilakati. However, details on whether he will be available for selection when they face Batoze Bavume remained scanty at the time of publication.
‘Ramos’ was previously granted a temporary retirement from football by the capital city giants due to a career-threatening injury that sidelined him for the better part of last season. This was announced by President Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize during a homecoming party held at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground months ago.
The South African businesswoman, speaking through General Manager Richard Makhobe, stated that they would enrol Vilakati in a coaching course while he continued recovering from his injury.
Amawele are also said to be working around the clock to sign Nsingizini Hotspurs and former Highlanders goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe ‘Beer’ Shabalala. It is worth noting that both Vilakati and Shabalala were part of the Highlanders squad previously under the directorship of Kgomongwe before he left to own Botswana’s Extension Gunners.
Kgomongwe acquired the status of Amawele from Thando ‘Mangoza’ Shabangu over a month ago and has ambitions to rebrand the club to Mbabane Eagles next season.
