PLE chairperson addresses relegation saga

MBABANE – Polycarp Dlamini, the Chairman of the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), tackled the knotty issue of relegation.

Speaking after presenting the MTN National First Division (NFD) trophy to champions Malanti Chiefs at Killarney Sports Ground on Sunday, Dlamini reviewed the league’s progress and hurdles.  

On relegation, Dlamini noted that a committee is examining options, with proposals to be debated at the general assembly. “The executive won’t decide alone; we need solid recommendations,” he stated, stressing fair governance.  

achievements

Reflecting on the season, Dlamini praised the NFD’s achievements. “The campaign flourished, thanks to MTN’s support,” he said, celebrating the absence of crowd unrest as a major win. He lauded the league’s intense battles, which have boosted Eswatini’s football standing.  

Looking ahead, Dlamini urged the NFD to nurture young stars. “We’re building a platform for juniors, not a retreat for ageing players,” he said firmly.

He called on Premier League teams to compete with integrity to the final whistle, warning: “Any match-fixing by title contenders will face severe consequences. We also caution teams against colluding with rivals – champions must win fairly, not buy matches.”

He hailed the MTN Premier League’s high standard, noting the title race’s climax in the final match reflects Eswatini’s growing football prowess.

Leading the race are Nsingizini Hotspurs with 57 points and they are left with Sidwashini United and second-placed Royal Leopard on 56 points will face Green Mamba.

Match-fixing complaints are normally lodged with the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), where the secretary forwards cases to the EFA Ethics Committee for investigation and penalties.

A source confirmed no match-fixing reports have surfaced this season, though the ethics committee’s term has ended, with a new panel, pending election. Efforts to reach EFA’s Muzi Radebe for comment were unsuccessful.  

relegation

On the relegation issue, speculation is rife that some of the teams that have suffered the chop, especially in the National First Division might get a lifeline if the proposed 16-team league is approved. A committee led by Mbabane Swallows’ Welile Mabuza was appointed to look into the issue and would table a recommendation for the general assembly. This pertains to how the 16-team league will be implemented.

Meanwhile, MTN’s Meshack Maseko praised the NFD’s violence-free season, saluting Malanti Chiefs’ superb campaign.

“Well done to Malanti for clinching the title,” he said. With MTN’s three-year sponsorship expired, Maseko added, “We’ll discuss renewing, but our backing has driven the league forward.”

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