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KING SOBHUZA SHORTLISTED FOR DERBY

26/04/2024 07:31:00 Mengameli Mabuza

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MBABANE – Ahead of Eswatini’s biggest game next week, the PLE has reportedly selected the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium as an alternative venue for the highly anticipated clash.

The publication had reported early this week that both Mavuso Sports Centre and Somhlolo National Stadium, which have previously hosted the grudge match between arch-rivals Mbabane Swallows and Mbabane Highlanders, are currently closed for upgrades. Highlanders are expected to host Swallows in their second-round match of the 2023/24 MTN Premier League season in round 24 next weekend.

However, reports suggest that the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) office is facing difficulties in finding a suitable venue. Although it is Highlanders’ home game, the PLE holds significant influence in determining the venue, particularly for the final three fixtures of the season, as per the league rules. According to a reliable source within the PLE, if Somhlolo National Stadium is unavailable, the titanic clash is likely to be played in Nhlangano. This would be the first time the Shiselweni region hosts the derby.

Challenging

“Under the current challenging circumstances, finding a suitable venue for the match remains a concern, as the game needs to be played next week to conclude the season on time. All parties involved are working diligently to find a solution, and King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium has emerged as a potential alternative venue for the highly-anticipated match,” said the source.

PLE Football Manager Pat Vilakati was previously quoted confirming that nothing had been finalised as yet.
Meanwhile, Mavuso is also currently out of bounds. Du-Van Developers were said to have been awarded the tender for the alterations of the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre and the Sports Centre’s VVIP Box.

The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) disclosed that Du-Van Developers’ proposed contract price was E5 706 010.69, as stated in the intention to award the tender released in February. EIPA earlier confirmed that the construction works had commenced, and periods of a shutdown were to be expected.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Communications Officer Sibongiseni Zondi had earlier said no requests were made to secure Somhlolo National Stadium. The national stadium is owned by government. He was responding to a questionnaire with regards to Somhlolo National Stadium being requested as a possible venue. “Our office has not received a request as yet,” Zondi said.

During the massive clash, Swallows would be aiming to continue their fine form, while Highlanders would want to avenge the defeat 0-3 in a cup match. The Caleb Ngwenya-led team crushed Bull’s dream of tasting success in the 2023/24 Ingwenyama Cup sponsored by Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) tournament by thrashing them in the semi-final.