Football

(At Mahlalekhukwini House)

EZULWINI – Marriage renewed!

This is the long-standing partnership between the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) and the league prime sponsor MTN Eswatini, which is set to continue for the next three years.

This was revealed by MTN Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Wandile Mtshali during the official launch of the 2025/26 MTN Premier League season. The new sponsorship deal for the three seasons has shot up to a whopping E22.5 million. The previous package was at E19.5 million.

The exciting launch, which coincided with the unveiling of the new sponsorship was held at Mahlalekhukwini House yesterday. It was attended by the Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, who was represented by his counterpart from the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini. 

Also present during the event was the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Vice President Steve Horton, PLE Vice Chairman Sithembiso ‘Ngudze’ Mamba as well as his executive members.

Mtshali revealed that MTN Eswatini has walked alongside the PLE for 24 years, stating that this is not just a sponsorship, but a relationship built on trust, shared purpose and a love for the game.

“We are here today not just to launch a new season, but to celebrate the people who make football matter; the fans, the players, the coaches and the communities who show up week after week,” Mtshali said.

He said the past season reminded them why football is so powerful as it brought joy, unity and hope to thousands of emaSwati.

“Our support for the PLE is rooted in people. Football is one of the activities that bring emaSwati together across regions, generations and backgrounds,” he said.

He said the league gives them a chance to connect with their customers in meaningful ways, not just through products, but through shared experiences.

The CEO then announced that the MTN’s sponsorship of the PLE is valued at E22.5 million over three years, with the upcoming season getting E7 million.

The 2026/27 season will be sponsored to the tune of E7.5 million, while, the final edition will get E8 million.

Mtshali said the increase in the sponsorship package has been influenced by the fact that the league now consists of 16 PLE teams.

“We acknowledge and support the change in the sponsorship for the National First Division,” he said.

He revealed that in their discussions with the PLE, they agreed that finding a dedicated sponsor for the NFD would bring more value to the players and fans.

Full article available in our publication.

MTN CEO Wandile Mtshali (2nd R) presenting the E22.5 million replica cheque to Acting Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Sikhumbuzo Dlamini (2nd L), Eswatini Football Association Vice President Steven Horton (L) and Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Vice Chairman Sithembiso ‘Ngudze’ Mamba. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)