Football

MBABANE – A disappointing end to the domestic campaign is set to haunt several high-profile clubs early next season.

This grim reality faces the MTN Premier League’s most decorated sides, Royal Leopard and Mbabane Swallows, alongside Moneni Pirates. While Leopard boast eight league titles and Swallows have seven to their name, Pirates are currently still chasing their maiden crown.

Based on the final standings, this trio must brace themselves for treacherous opening fixtures in the third edition of the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup. Although the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) is yet to make an official announcement regarding the tournament, it is expected to run alongside the 58^th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) in the period August 28 to September 6.

The previous edition featured all MTN Premier League teams registered for the 2025/26 season, governed by the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup Rules and Regulations. Under Article 6, the draw followed a format similar to South Africa’s MTN8, wherein the league champions face the lowest-ranked side. The regulations also vest sole power in the tournament’s management committee (MC) to determine the scheduling, venues and kick-off times.

When approached for comment, PLE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati declined to comment, stating he would defer until the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup MC meets ahead of the upcoming edition. With the current league standings almost finalised, only the 15^th and 16^th positions remain undecided, pending the outcome of the promotion and relegation play-offs, which began this past Saturday.

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Nsingizini Hotspurs’ Jordyn Vermaak (R) closes down Malanti Chiefs’ Sifiso Makhubu in a midfield battle at the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup 2025. (File pic)