As the curtain finally came down on the 2025/26 MTN Premier League season, it is only fitting that the spotlight remains firmly on treble winners Nsingizini Hotspurs, a side that has once again proven why they are currently the standard bearers of local football.
The Shiselweni giants successfully defended the league title after edging Rangers 1-0 at King Sobhuza II Stadium before officially being crowned champions on Sunday following their 1-1 draw against Sea Birds.
Truth be told, the final match of the season lacked the usual drama associated with a grand closing. By the time the teams walked onto the pitch, everything had already been decided. Nsingizini were champions already while Sea Birds had safely secured second position. The match itself was more of a formality than a title decider.
Perhaps that explains why the atmosphere at Somhlolo National Stadium never truly matched the occasion. The crowd was far from what many had expected for a league-closing spectacle. Then again, it was always going to be difficult convincing supporters to fill up the stadium after the championship race had already been settled days earlier.
One cannot ignore the organisational shortcomings surrounding the event either. Credit must go to MTN Eswatini for continuing to sponsor the league and keeping local football alive but the overall build-up and execution of the grand closing left much to be desired. Whether the responsibility lies with the Premier League of Eswatini or other stakeholders is another debate altogether but there was certainly room for improvement.
Maybe organisers could have explored the possibility of hosting the Rangers versus Mbabane Highlanders fixture at the same venue. Such a move could have attracted more supporters and created the kind of carnival atmosphere expected on the final day of the season. In many footballing nations, a grand closing is exactly that – grand. It becomes an occasion that supporters eagerly anticipate.
Even during the trophy presentation, some of the officials wore expressions that suggested business rather than celebration.
But perhaps that is not entirely a bad thing. If their serious demeanour is anything to go by, then local football could be headed for an even more competitive campaign next season. Judging from their looks alone, one could tell that every club official present wants to be the one standing on that podium when the next season concludes.
But all that aside, this moment belongs to Nsingizini Hotspurs. The team deserves every bit of praise coming its way after achieving what many clubs dream of – winning a treble. Besides defending the MTN Premier League crown, they also lifted the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup and the Ingwenyama Cup, underlining their dominance across all competitions.
What makes their success even more admirable is the professionalism that seems to define the club from top to bottom. It was encouraging to hear Premier League of Eswatini President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane urging other clubs to emulate Nsingizini’s administration if local football is to improve.
From a distance, one can already tell that Nsingizini are a well-run institution. Their structures appear organised, their recruitment has been effective and their technical team has managed to maintain consistency throughout a demanding campaign. Successful teams are rarely built overnight and Nsingizini’s achievements are proof of long-term planning and stability.
At the same time, the just-ended season also reminded supporters why football remains the most loved sport in the country. The campaign was highly competitive and entertaining from start to finish.
Sea Birds deserve immense credit for pushing the champions all the way. Under coach Friday Myeni, the team showed resilience, ambition and tactical discipline throughout the season. They consistently looked like genuine contenders and if they continue with the same hunger next season, silverware may not be too far away.
Meanwhile, Mbabane Highlanders ended the campaign strongly following the arrival of businesswoman Shawn Mkhize, popularly known as ‘MaMkhize’. Her involvement appeared to breathe fresh life into the club. Together with coach ‘Sly’ Mosala, Highlanders gradually turned the corner and began producing positive results consistently.
Other teams such as Rangers, Tambankulu Celtics and Moneni Pirates also displayed glimpses of brilliance during the season. Their biggest challenge, however, was consistency. At times they looked capable of competing with the best, only to lose momentum shortly afterwards.
For the security forces teams in Young Buffaloes, Green Mamba and Royal Leopard, it was largely a frustrating campaign. None of them truly managed to impose themselves the way supporters expected.
At the other end of the table, the pain of relegation struck Manzini Wanderers, Sisonkhe and Malanti Chiefs. Relegation is never easy but the hope is that these clubs will regroup in the MulaSport National First Division and fight their way back to the elite league.
For Wanderers in particular, this must serve as a wake-up call. As one of the country’s traditional giants, the club cannot afford to continue losing direction. Talk of buying a status may sound tempting but perhaps the better route is rebuilding properly from the National First Division and restoring the club’s identity the right way.
As the season ends, players across the league will now enjoy a well-deserved break before preparations for the next campaign begin. It has been a long, demanding but memorable football year.
Above all, congratulations must once again go to Nsingizini Hotspurs. Defending a league title is never easy, yet they managed to do it while also conquering cup competitions. They have raised the standard of local football and shown what is possible through proper planning, discipline and ambition.
Lastly, the Premier League of Eswatini also deserves recognition for ensuring that the season was completed successfully. There were challenges along the way, as there always are in football but overall it was a memorable and competitive campaign.
Now the focus shifts to next season, where every club will dream of knocking Nsingizini Hotspurs off their throne.
