The race for the MTN Premier League crown resumes this weekend with decisive fixtures for front-runners Royal Leopard and Green Mamba, as both teams look to break the deadlock at the top of the standings.
Locked at 39 points each after 17 rounds, Royal Leopard holds the advantage over Green Mamba due to a superior head-to-head record. However, their title ambitions will be put to the test against Ezulwini United, a side that frustrated them with a 1-1 draw earlier in the season. Having dropped points in their last outing against Nsingizini Hotspurs before the international break, the police side will be desperate to reclaim momentum.
Green Mamba faces an equally tough challenge as they go head-to-head with defending champions Mbabane Swallows. The first meeting ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Swallows, and Green Mamba will need to step up to avoid another setback in their championship pursuit.
Trailing the top two by just three points, third-placed Nsingizini Hotspurs will take on Illovo FC, the team that stunned them with a 2-1 victory in the first round. A win is non-negotiable for Hotspurs if they want to keep their title dreams alive.
Elsewhere, Sisonkhe eyes a league double over Mbabane Highlanders, who had found their rhythm before the break. Manzini Sea Birds and Madlenya will also clash in a match that could be pivotal in the mid-table standings.
Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chief Executive Officer Petros ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati confirmed the league’s return, expressing excitement over the action-packed fixtures ahead.
“We are pleased to have the MTN Premier League back after the international break. We expect the teams to deliver thrilling football for the supporters,” he said.
With the season entering a critical phase, fans can anticipate high-intensity clashes as clubs fight for crucial points.
Weekend Fixtures:
- Green Mamba vs. Mbabane Swallows
- Young Buffaloes vs. Moneni Pirates
- Nsingizini Hotspurs vs. Illovo FC
- Manzini Sea Birds vs. Madlenya
- Sisonkhe vs. Mbabane Highlanders
- Sidwashini vs. Rangers
- Ezulwini United vs. Royal Leopard
