MBABANE – The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has cracked the whip on gate fraud, moving to purge illicit activities that have plagued match-day operations throughout the 2025/26 season.
Following an extraordinary general meeting at Sigwaca House this past Friday, the league resolved to part ways with several part-time employees implicated in a systematic ticket scandal. According to PLE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat Vilakati after the meeting, the organisation has engaged the police and arrests have already been made following findings that part-time staff members were allegedly recycling wristbands to bypass official gate systems.
“On the issue of the derby tickets, we have once again involved the police, who are still investigating the matter,” Vilakati said.
He said for now, they will wait for the police to finish with their investigations and once they are done, a full update will be shared on those implicated.
The vulnerability of gate entry systems is not unique to Eswatini, as South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) has historically faced similar battles with syndicate operations involving match-day officials. In high-profile cases across the border, the PSL has previously had to crack down on stadium security staff and official ticket providers who colluded to replicate valid barcodes, sell duplicate tickets or open stadium gates for cash bribes during massive fixtures like the Soweto Derby. South African authorities have routinely used internal stings and police interventions to flush out corrupt officials who systematically bled millions away from top-flight clubs.
Meanwhile, during the same meeting, the PLE leadership provided an update on the progress of the Smart Card initiative, a digital loyalty programme designed to professionalise stadium access and secure club revenue.
While the initiative was previously unveiled as a flagship project, the meeting focused on its ongoing registration drive. Current figures indicate that Nsingizini Hotspurs are leading in registrations, with the ‘Big Three’ clubs following closely behind.
The drive for the Smart Card—which requires an initial subscription fee of E150 for access to exclusive benefits and express stadium entry—is part of a broader strategy to inject millions into member clubs.
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Mbabane Highlanders President Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize and Mbabane Swallows BoGs member Welile Mabuza during the PLE BoGs meeting on Friday. (Pic: Sanele Jele)