No helicopter for league trophy

MBABANE – The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) faces a thrilling climax as the 2024/25 season nears its conclusion, with the championship title hanging in the balance.

Nsingizini Hotspurs, who surged into contention over the last eight matches, lead the standings with 57 points, closely followed by Royal Leopard with 56.

With just one game remaining, the trophy destination remains unknown.

Nsingizini Hotspurs play against relegation-threatened side, Sidwashini United, this weekend at a venue yet to be announced by PLE, while Royal Leopard will host Green Mamba in a bid for three points. PLE Football Manager Banele ‘Dings’ Masondo revealed that discussions are ongoing about how to manage the crowning of the champions.

“We are still deliberating on the matter and exploring how best to navigate this situation,” Masondo said.

Meanwhile, PLE Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pat ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati, confirmed that the champions will be presented with the trophy at their match venue.

scheduling

“We will prioritise scheduling both teams’ games simultaneously at different venues,” Vilakati explained.

He emphasised the importance of communication, with executive members and staff closely monitoring all matches to ensure a seamless conclusion to the season.

“The trophy will be awarded to the winner; either team will wait for the trophy if they have prevailed as the champions. What joy would you be giving them if not giving them at the playing venue,” added Vilakati. Such scenarios are not unique to Eswatini. In South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL), similar situations have arisen in the past.

Typically, the PSL ensures the trophy is at the stadium of the team leading the table, provided they secure the necessary result to clinch the title.

In tightly contested races, where two teams at different venues could claim the championship, the PSL may prepare a replica trophy or arrange for the trophy to be swiftly transported to the winning team’s stadium. Historical examples highlight this approach.

In 2005, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates were level on points, with Chiefs holding a superior goal difference.

A helicopter stationed in Kroonstad, midway between the two venues, delivered the trophy to Bloemfontein, where Collins Mbesuma’s brace secured the title for Chiefs.

In 2011, Ajax Cape Town’s two-point lead was squandered after a costly error by Hans Vonk allowed Orlando Pirates to claim the championship on goal difference.

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