MBABANE – Manzini Eagles and Mhlambanyatsi Lions proved to be a cut above the rest.
This past Saturday, they delivered masterclass performances during the Eswatini Hockey Premier League showdown at the Mavuso Sports Centre.
The day’s action was defined by high-intensity play and tactical precision as the league reached its climax.
In the men’s division, the semi-finals saw a thrilling contest where Manzini Eagles edged out Mhlambanyatsi Lions 3–2, while Mbabane Buffalos scrapped past Ezulwini Foxes in a 5–4 thriller to book their spots in the final.
The third and fourth place play-off was equally dramatic, with Ezulwini Foxes holding Mhlambanyatsi Lions to a 3–3 draw before clinching the match 2–0 on penalty shootouts.
The men’s final was a one-sided affair as the clinical Manzini Eagles dominated the pitch to secure an 8–2 victory over Buffalos.
The ladies’ division was no less compelling. In the semi-finals, Mbabane Buffalos narrowly defeated Bhejane 3–2, while Mhlambanyatsi Lions flexed their muscles in a commanding 9–1 rout of Manzini Eagles.
Bhejane bounced back in the bronze-medal match to sweep aside Manzini Eagles 5–0. In the final showdown, Mhlambanyatsi Lions remained untouchable, sweeping to a 4–0 victory to secure the championship.
Individual brilliance also took centre stage, with Malachi Rudds of Manzini Eagles finishing as the top male goalscorer and Alyssa Elliot of Mhlambanyatsi Lions claiming the top female honour.
Sbonginkhosi Magagula of the Foxes was named best male goalkeeper, while Lions’ Owenkosi Sibandze took home the female award. Ultimately, Khaya Mlotsa and Nozuko Magagula were crowned Players of the Tournament for their exceptional contributions throughout the league.
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Manzini Eagles were winners of the male category in the Eswatini Hockey Premier League. (Pic: Eswatini Hockey)