Football

MBABANE – The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has released the full schedule for the 2025/26 8Bet Trade Fair Cup.

This follows a draw that was conducted late last month, which set up the 16 participating clubs in this second edition of the tournament, sponsored to the tune of E2.5 million.

According to the official fixtures for the whole tournament, which were released by the PLE yesterday, the showpiece will kick off on Saturday, August 30.

Ubombo Sugar, formerly Illovo FC, will host Sisonkhe at Mavuso Sports Centre at 1:30pm in the first game of the tournament. This will be a curtain-raiser for a triple-header.

On day one, MTN Premier League reigning champions Nsingizini Hotspurs will then clash with newcomers Tambankulu Celtics at 4pm, as they chase a maiden title in this tournament. Last edition’s runners-up, Moneni Pirates, will cap off the day’s events, colliding with Rangers FC. The meetings between these two teams are usually nail-biters.

On the following day, spectators will be in for a treat of what looks to be thrilling clashes featuring some members of the ‘big three’ clubs.

The first game will see defending champions, Young Buffaloes, take on Malanti Chiefs. This game will be followed by Mbabane Highlanders, who will be visited by Ezulwini United. Both hosts seem to be facing tricky opponents, who are capable of an upset.

Full article available in our publication.

(L-R) Young Buffaloes CEO Sandile Gwebu joined by Mbabane Highlanders’ Lington Gule and Knowledge Ngwenya from Mbabane Swallows, during the recent launch of the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup. (Pic: Courtesy)