Ezulwini United……(1)3
Banele 18th, 56th; Boniswa 84th
Amawele………………(0)0
SITEKI – Ally Kgomongwe’s Amawele received a rude welcome to the MTN Eswatini Premier League as Ezulwini United swept them aside 3-0 on Sunday.
It was a meeting of two coaches starting new chapters, with Caleb Ngwenya taking charge of Ezulwini United after leaving Mbabane Swallows, while Mpendulo ‘Mapho’ Ngwenya began his spell with the newly-revamped Amawele.
Amawele are under the new leadership of South African businessman Kgomongwe, who was previously a director at Mbabane Highlanders before buying the status of the Msunduza-based club during the pre-season.
The flamboyant businessman has made it clear that he wants to compete after acquiring the status of the Mbabane-based side, with the club expected to eventually be renamed Mbabane Black Eagles in the 2027/28 season. For this season, however, they will compete under the Amawele name.
On the pitch, there was nothing friendly about Ezulwini’s welcome.
They seized control from the opening whistle, dictating the tempo and forcing Amawele onto the back foot. Banele Nkambule was at the heart of their dominance, producing a performance that would eventually earn him the Man of the Match award.
The breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute.
Nkambule took on the Amawele defence before unleashing a composed effort across advancing goalkeeper Siboniso Sibeko and into the far corner.
One moment of brilliance, one goal, and Ezulwini had lift-off.
Amawele tried to respond, with former Mbabane Swallows star Lizwe Dlamini testing Ezulwini goalkeeper Siyabonga Magagula in the 26th minute. Magagula, though, dealt comfortably with the effort.
Ezulwini continued to threaten and their captain came close in the 32nd minute, heading over the crossbar from a corner.
Amawele’s afternoon became increasingly uncomfortable when Andile Gwebu was brought down by Mlondi Dlamini, with referee Vuyo Khoza showing the Amawele goalkeeper a yellow card.
Ezulwini failed to make the resulting free-kick count as Gwebu’s effort was blocked, while the resulting corner also came to nothing.
Amawele struggled to turn their attacks into meaningful opportunities in the final third, with Ezulwini’s defensive organisation repeatedly closing the door.
After the restart, Ezulwini returned with the same hunger and created three early chances, although Sibusiso Motsa and Mvelo Kwetela were unable to find the target from close range.
Then came the moment that broke Amawele’s resistance.
In the 56th minute, Nkambule burst down the left flank and unleashed a thunderous strike that gave Dlamini no chance.
Two for Nkambule. Two for Ezulwini. And the mountain was now getting steeper for Amawele.
Ezulwini refused to take their foot off the pedal.
Six minutes from full-time, Nkambule turned creator, threading an assist into the path of Boniswa Gama, who calmly slotted the ball past Dlamini to complete a convincing 3-0 victory.
For Caleb, it was the perfect opening statement. For Ally’s Amawele, it was a harsh introduction to the MTN Premier League.
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