Ezulwini – The acting minister of sports, culture and youth affairs, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, has cautioned football leaders to safeguard the integrity of the game as the MTN Premier League secured a three-year sponsorship renewal worth over E22.5 million.
“Lead in a manner that commands respect, that inspires confidence, and that keeps the flame of football burning for generations to come,” Dlamini said speaking at the sponsorship launch at MTN head offices in Ezulwini on Wednesday.
The minister applauded the sponsorship, labelling it as not only MTN Eswatini’s continued investment in football but also an investment in youth, national pride, and the future of sport. He also called on the clubs and players to be MTN Eswatini’s brand ambassadors while also urging administrators, clubs, and players to uphold professionalism and discipline, warning against acts that could taint the game.
“To the leadership of football;” he said, you carry the responsibility to lead with vision, professionalism, and integrity. Our people look to you to safeguard the future of the game.
“To our clubs and players: remember that you are ambassadors, not only of your teams, but also of the MTN brand, the nation, and football itself. Let us not taint this great sponsorship with acts of indiscipline, unsporting behaviour, or unnecessary interference. Instead, let us demonstrate the best of what football can offer—passion, fair play, unity, and excellence.”
MTN Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Wandile Mntshali highlighted that the sponsorship package is structured over three years, with E7 million allocated for the 2025/26 season, E7.5 million for 2026/27, and E8 million for 2027/28.
Mntshali said MTN’s partnership with the league was not just a business deal but a relationship rooted in shared values, community upliftment, and youth empowerment. He added that football in Eswatini has become a source of livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and national identity, with small businesses and communities benefitting on match days.
Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Vice Chairman Ngudze Mamba, in his address, acknowledged concerns about the delayed start to the new season but assured stakeholders that the renewal of the sponsorship justifies the wait. He said the partnership, which began in 2002, has transformed local football and will continue to propel the league to greater heights. Mamba also confirmed that the new deal comes with increased prize money, higher participation fees for clubs, and the introduction of a “Young Player of the Season” award.
Mamba further noted that the league is embracing digital transformation through innovations such as the PLE smart card for supporter registration, ticketing, and merchandise sales. He said this move, along with long-term fixtures and improved governance structures, signals the league’s commitment to professionalism.
Meanwhile, the minister called on supporters to rally behind MTN Eswatini by supporting its products and services, noting that loyalty to the sponsor ensures the sustainability of football in the Kingdom.
The event was attended by government officials, MTN executives, football administrators, and representatives from all 16 Premier League teams.
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