MBABANE – In the competitive Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region, the richest-sponsored top leagues are drawing attention.
The Premier League of Eswatini, backed by MTN Eswatini, comfortably sits at number five among its peers. With a first-prize of approximately E1.1 million, Eswatini is outpaced by the South African Premier Division (E20 million), the Botswana Premier League (E1.8 million), Zimbabwe (E1.7 million) and Namibia (E1.15 million).
Sponsorship deals are the lifeblood of these leagues. Botswana’s league is titled the FNB Premiership, under a multi-million Pula deal with First National Bank Botswana. South Africa’s top flight trades as the Betway Premiership, benefitting from one of the region’s most lucrative sponsorships.
Zimbabwe continues its long-term relationship with Castle Lager, through Delta Beverages. Meanwhile, MTN Eswatini’s backing has strengthened the domestic league, guaranteeing professional standards and an attractive prize money for champions.
While Eswatini is not the top in financial terms, its league remains among the best-supported in the region. The E1.1 million prize fund reflects a league that punches above its weight, offering competitive stability and regional recognition. Sponsorship muscle directly influences prize money, which in turn impacts quality, player motivation and league competitiveness. As SADC football continues to evolve, Eswatini demonstrates that strong corporate partnerships can elevate domestic leagues into the top-tier of regional competitions.
International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)-accredited agent Dingane ‘Mendez’ Maduma, speaking as a football expert on behalf of Eswatini football, hailed the MTN sponsorship as a major boost for the local game. “This speaks volumes about the direction our football is taking,” Maduma said. “Having Eswatini ranked among the top-funded leagues in the region shows that our football is becoming commercially attractive. It reflects stability, growing confidence from corporate partners and the league’s ability to deliver value to sponsors like MTN Eswatini.”
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The MTN Premier League is among the top five leagues in the SADC Region in terms of prize money. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)