MBABANE – The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Basketball League (UBL) has reached its high-stakes boiling point.
It will officially enter the semi-final stage following a weekend of intense deciding games at the Kwaluseni Multipurpose Hall (MPH).
Saturday’s action saw some of the season’s most dominant performances, with Mbabane Jazz delivering a masterclass by crushing the Luyengo Bulls with a staggering 114-26 victory, while the Manzini Superstars also secured a massive 93-52 win over the UNESWA Hawks.
These results solidified the final league standings, where Steels finished at the summit with 40 points, followed closely by Mbabane Jazz with 38 points. Manzini Superstars and Dunkylaine rounded out the top four, securing their tickets to the playoffs and leaving teams like Zim Zim and the Matsapha Hornets on the outside looking in.
In the newly-formed Sjambok Basketball Women’s League (SBWL), the competition is already proving to be fierce as the league standings begin to take shape. The Amazons have claimed the early top spot following a commanding 46-13 victory over the Dunkylaine Lioneers. Meanwhile, Lady Jazz also secured a vital win, narrowly defeating the UNESWA Storm 31-22 in a tightly-contested match. These results set a high bar for the women’s division, mirroring the intensity seen in the men’s league as the post-season atmosphere takes over the campus.
League Coordinator Thando Mkhatshwa expressed great satisfaction with the level of competition displayed by all teams, specifically noting the efforts of the Matsapha Hornets and UNESWA Hawks despite their positions on the log. Mkhatshwa highlighted that these games have been crucial in keeping players fit and sharp for the next level of play.
Looking ahead, the coordinator revealed that new teams are already showing interest in joining the fold, prompting an official call for corporate support. “We are certainly requesting sponsors to partner with us to take the sport further; we truly appreciate the growth of the game and want to sustain this momentum,” Mkhatshwa added.
The road to the championship now moves to a Best-of-3 semi-final format, promising fans even more drama and elite athleticism. All eyes will be on the Kwaluseni MPH this coming Thursday as the first games of the playoff series tip off.
Matsapha Hornets could not qualify to the play-offs. (Pic: Sanele Jele)