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MBABANE – Following the expansion of the MTN leagues for the upcoming season, more teams will face the axe.
The MTN Premier League and MTN National First Division (NFD) were immediately expanded after the previous season from 14 to 16 clubs.
According to the latest developments from the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), which all 32-member clubs are aware of, there is a possibility of four clubs being relegated from the top-flight league, as opposed to the usual two.
This is according to the activity report from Polycarp Dlamini’s organisation for the 2024/25 Relegation and Promotion Framework. It is stated that this will be done to preserve the competitiveness and integrity of both leagues.
“(In) the MTN Premier League, teams finishing in positions 14, 15 and 16 will be automatically relegated to the MTN NFD. The team finishing in position 13 will be relegated, but given an opportunity to contest promotion or relegation in play-offs,” the report states.
It is said the team ranked 13th will contest promotion against the teams that would have finished third, fourth and fifth in the lower division. This would be a similar case to last season, as these teams, except for the fifth-placed team in the NFD last season, qualified for play-offs.
“In the MTN National First Division, teams finishing in positions 13, 14, 15, and 16 will be relegated to the regional leagues. The four regional champions will be promoted to the MTN NFD,” the report further says.
Full article available in our publication.
Madlenya FC, who could not rescue their MTN Premier League status during the play-offs, celebrate one of their goals. But more teams will be automatically relegated this coming season in the top-flight. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)