Football

(Mavuso Sports Centre)

M. Highlanders ........(0)0

Nsingizini ..................(0)1

Madondo 68^th

MANZINI – Bulldozed!

That is the only way to describe how Mbabane Highlanders were steamrolled by defending champions Nsingizini Hotspurs, who snatched a vital 1–0 victory thanks to a sharp second-half strike from Joel Madondo.

This clash was the most anticipated fixture of the 2025/26 MTN Premier League’s opening weekend, marking the official launch of the new E22.5 million three-year sponsorship. Highlanders, parading nine new signings—including Royal AM’s Sphiwe Cele, were instantly tested by a battle-hardened Nsingizini side fresh from a CAF Champions League triumph and a Trade Fair Cup win.

Over 3 000 spectators packed the Mavuso Sports Centre, including high-profile figures like Highlanders President Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize, Nsingizini boss Derrick Shiba and key MTN and government officials.

With several Nsingizini players returning from national duty, Coach Mandla Qhogi rotated his squad, handing a start to Nkosingiphile Shongwe while later introducing impact subs Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini and Yeki Khumalo.

The opening half was balanced, but Nsingizini looked the sharper unit in attack. Sibane Vermaak and Mlungisi Hlatjwako forced saves from Highlanders goalkeeper Innocent Adja. In contrast, Highlanders’ offensive moves repeatedly fizzled out; forwards Siyabonga Mkhonto and Siphamandla Maseko struggled to retain possession or create meaningful attempts.

Highlanders nearly paid the price for a rash decision by Adja to charge off his line, though his defenders scrambled back to clear the danger just before the interval. The hosts’ best efforts came through Siboniso Shiba and Siwakhile Shongwe, both of whom fired wide before the whistle.

Full article available in our publication.

Nsingizini Hotspurs Captain Wenzile Lushaba turns away from Mbabane Highlanders’ enterprising new signing, Sphiwe Cele. This was during their MTN Premier League game played at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)