MBABANE – The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has added new awards and increased financial incentives in both the MTN Premier League and MulaSport National First Division, a move seen as part of efforts to professionalise local football and reward performance at every level.
According to the prize breakdown released through the office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati, the 2025/26 MTN Premier League season carries the biggest rewards yet, with champions pocketing E1.1 million, up by E100,000 from last season’s prize.
All 16 teams will benefit from increased participation fees, now standing at E110,000 each. The first-round winner will also collect E120,000, while the runners-up take home E550,000. In the lower half of the table, teams finishing between 12th and 16th will each receive E100,000, ensuring that every participant benefits financially from the season.
The PLE has also introduced two new individual categories the Players’ Player of the Year Award (E10,000) and the Youngest Best Player of the Season (E6,000) aimed at recognising peer excellence and nurturing emerging talent.
The player of the season will receive E17,000, up from E15,000 last year, while the player of the month will now get E7,000. Other awards include top goal scorer (E14,000), best goalkeeper (E11,000), coach of the year (E11,000), and the fair play award (E11,000).
In the MulaSport National First Division, champions will take home E200,000, the highest payout yet in the league’s history. PLE Vice Chairman Sithembiso ‘Ngudze’ Mamba said the new structure reflects the organisation’s commitment to improving standards in local football.
“We are rewarding consistency, discipline, and growth. Every player and club has a reason to work harder under this structure,” he said.
The enhanced packages come after the renewal of MTN Eswatini’s three-year sponsorship deal worth E22.5 million, which will see the league’s funding increase from E7 million this season to E8 million by the third year.
The PLE said the latest changes are meant to motivate both established and upcoming players while ensuring the country’s top two divisions remain competitive and financially sustainable.
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