MBABANE – Young Zesh and Ndukwemnyama ignited the derby atmosphere with a powerful halftime performance at a packed King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium and Mavuso Sports Centre.
On Saturday during the Shiselweni derby, the game was not just about football, as Ndukwemnyama ensured the atmosphere was electric even before the ball was even kicked. Performing for the Nsingizini Hotspurs supporters, he rendered a selection of songs, including the popular track ‘Vuma’ featuring Sanchiezy. He gave the MTN Premier League log leaders’ fans a high-octane curtain-raiser ahead of the afternoon’s kick-off against regional rivals, Rangers.
Before boots clashed and history screamed, the Mavuso Sports Centre was already alive. At precisely 3:55pm, Young Zesh strode onto the stage and turned the cathedral of Eswatini football into a choir of voices, opening with ‘Kogcina Bani’ (feat. Young Zesh Nomndayi) and instantly gripping a crowd swelling beyond 4 000.
The energy surged with his second number, ‘Hhawu Sengibeketele’, before the rising star unveiled a bespoke, on-the-spot creation ‘Maswaiswai Sinitsandza Nonkhe’. It was more than a song; it was a lyrical roll call. Young Zesh saluted the team’s achievements, name-checking past and present heroes who have worn the jersey, weaving legacy and pride into a pulsating anthem that rippled through the stands. He held the stage until 4:03pm, and by the time he signed off, the mood was unmistakable: The crowd was primed, united and roaring. The performance set a jubilant, defiant tone – one that would later echo on the pitch as ten-man Mbabane Swallows dug deep to rule the roost once more.
The local sensation was also clad in Mbabane Swallows and Guzzani shirt. The Mbabane Swallows and Guzzani Casual wear edition (SxG wear) collaboration is a football meets fashion trend that has been adapted in the country. Mbabane Swallows introduced their exclusive, limited Swallows X Guzzani Casual Wear edition featuring the club’s colours and style.
The casual wear is designed for their supporters to look stylish and aligns with their tag line of ‘BoSwenka’. The Mbabane Swallows’ fans who are fashion enthusiasts can order their merchandise via the club’s social media pages.
The newly introduced range consists of cargo pants, crop tops and dungarees, this Swallows x Guzzani edition makes a stylish addition to their wardrobes and sets them apart from the crowd.
In a tale of two cities and one master, Young Zesh’s rhythmic poetry proved the perfect overture an electric prelude to a derby fought with heart, heritage and unbreakable belief. Young Zesh’s journey, which includes previous fan favourites like ‘kaKhoza’, working with Her Royal Highness Buhlebetive on a song for her solo dance during the Reed Dance Ceremony 2025 in Shiselweni and a recent collaboration with Gospel artist Bishop Gcina Masuku on ‘Nhlitiyo Yami’ positions him as a central figure in a new generation of Eswatini musicians.

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