MBABANE – Just five weeks into the season, several teams find themselves in hot water with the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE).
This follows the recurring breach of a key regulation concerning half-time procedures.
The issue stems from the recurring breach of Article 20.3 (d) of this season’s rules and regulations. This article stipulates that returning onto the field of play for the second half without the express permission of the referee or match commissioner results in a summary/spot fine of not less than **E10 000**.
Crucially, this penalty is designed to be paid on the spot without the need for a disciplinary committee hearing.
The extent of the problem was evident on Saturday, when two teams, Mbabane Swallows and Ezulwini United, spent less than 10 minutes inside their dressing rooms.
Their players were seen rushing back to the pitch, with coaches issuing tactics before the match officials had given the all-clear to return. This occurred during their league fixture staged at the Mavuso Sports Centre, which saw Ezulwini United emerge 1-0 victors, courtesy of Kwenzokuhle ‘Ndoye’ Khumalo’s strike from the penalty spot.
The PLE confirmed this prohibited act yesterday via a circular issued by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati.
“The Premier League of Eswatini has observed a recurring breach of Article 20.3(d) of PLE Master Rules and Regulations; wherein certain teams return into the field of play during half-time without prior authorisation from the appointed match officials or match commissioner. Furthermore, instances of half-time coaching within the technical area have been noted, which contravenes established protocol,” the circular stated. This has prompted the PLE to issue a sharp reminder with strict instructions to all clubs.
“All participating teams are hereby reminded to strictly adhere to the league’s operational guidelines. Half-time activities must remain within the bounds of the dressing rooms unless expressly permitted by the match commissioner. Unauthorised presence on the field or technical area during halftime is prohibited,” the notice added.
The PLE emphasised the need to enforce appropriate disciplinary measures for this action and has instructed match officials to document any such occurrences in their match reports for reference.
This crackdown comes against a backdrop of significant fines levied in the past season. Notably, Highlanders were among the teams that incurred the heaviest penalties, forking out **E60 000** in total for various offences, including a skirmish at Mavuso Sports Centre—a venue that was a known epicentre for violence last season. Mbabane Swallows and Young Buffaloes were fined **E80 000** and **E65 000** respectively in the previous campaign.
Football experts warn that frequent financial penalties can tarnish a club’s image and erode trust among supporters and the wider football community.
Meanwhile, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Law 8 of the 2025/26 regulations grants referees the ultimate authority to rule over a game and enforce the laws. Failure by a player or team to follow procedures may result in disciplinary action, underlining the seriousness of the PLE’s reminder.
Mbabane Swallows midfielder Ncomo Gina fights hard to protect his ball as Ezulwini seasponed forward Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini tries to move past. (Pic: Ntombikayise Gwebu)