’DOWNS DOWN TO FIRST DIVISION

MBABANE – They are officially relegated.

This is the case of Denver Sundowns as the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has cleared the air regarding the league format for the 2024/25 season. There has been uncertainty despite the Board of Governors (BoGs) adopting the 16-club league format for the 2025/26 season in June. However, there were rumours that this decision would be reversed during yesterday’s continuation of the ordinary general meeting (OGA). PLE has stated clearly that it will be a 14-team league in both Premier League and National First Division (NFD).

The PLE re-adjourned the meeting to exhaust three deferred items. These were financial matters, the appointment of auditors and the discussion of proposals. Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat Vilakati confirmed the relegation of teams from the previous season during a media briefing, as discussed in the meeting.

Rules

Vilakati said, as per the rules and regulations of the previous season, the last and second last clubs in the premier league log were to be axed. The bottom slots are occupied by Manzini Wanderers and Denver Sundowns. “However, we have a court order that interdicts us from discussing the Manzini Wanderers’ relegation matter, which we’ve respected until further notice. Meanwhile, Sundowns have been released to play in the National First Division,” Vilakati said. The NFD saw the relegation of Milling Hot Spurs, Nyanyali Celtics, Louis XIV and Ubombo Flyers. Meanwhile, Amawele, Masundwini Royal Swallows, and All Nations have been welcomed into the lower division.

Envoy

An envoy from the Lubombo Regional Football Association (LRFA) is yet to be confirmed. “Both our divisions will kick off as we don’t have a court order that prevents us from doing so. If there would be any, however, a football decision will be made. For instance, we once saw Nsingizini Hotspurs sorting out their court matters and were accommodated once they finished them,” the football manager said. The MTN PLE League will kick off during the weekend of September 14 and 15, shortly after the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup.

Proposals

Meanwhile, Manzini Sea Birds did not attend the meeting to advance one of the proposals, which almost brought hope for 16 teams. Sea Birds had proposed that the big three clubs should not be relegated and be exempted from play-off matches. On the other hand, Sundowns legal representative Zakhele Dlamini explained that the postponement of the case was not his clients fault.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: