Viva Stumbo XI vs Manzini Wanderers
Somhlolo National Stadium, 15:15pm
SOCCER – Manzini Wanderers will kick off their 2026/27 Mulasport National First Division campaign with a tricky encounter against Stumbo XI at the Somhlolo National Stadium this afternoon.
It’s a high stakes showdown in the NFD following the Weslians relegation as they will be making their first appearance.
The fallen hub giants will be hoping to start their campaign with maximum points, but face a Stumbo XI side determined to underline their quality despite underdog status.
The Malkerns-based outfit missed the top flight status by a whisker during the Premier League of Eswatini playoffs at Mavuso Sports Centre. The club is going to this match with confidence having also retained 98 per cent of last season’s squad, while adding quality through former Manzini Sundowns seasoned striker Fabrice Mopina, Wandile Lukhele, Msimisi Vilakati, Mcebisi Nhlabatsi and goalkeeper Nkululeko Gama.
Stumbo XI Chief Executive Officer, Reagan Charles has stated clearly that they are going out for a win against the maroon and white outfit.
“We know Manzini Wanderers is a big team, but we also want the maximum points against them. My boys are fired; we won’t bow down against Wanderers. We want a positive start in the league and they mustn’t expect any favors,” he warned.
Wanderers, meanwhile, will be under the guidance of Musa Manyatsi and Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe as they begin a new era in unfamiliar surroundings.
The crowd-pulling outfit will be hoping for a quick comeback in top flight, with their journey starting today at Somhlolo National Stadium.
Going to this clash, Wanderers have lost several players who opted to dump them due to the lower division status. Despite the challenges, coach Manyatsi has remained confident that they survive the storms and make a comeback sooner than expected.
“We are looking for a positive start in the NFD, we know it won’t be easy but we promise to work harder in order to bounce back to top flight. Stumbo XI is a close book to us, we have to be fully focused throughout the 90 minutes,” he said.
The former Ezulwini United gaffer also invited the supporters to come and rally behind the club during these challenging times.
Viva Stumbo XI
Coach: Rodney Charles
Captain: Sithembiso Mavuso
Key Players: Mlondi Mkhonta, Triston Dunn
Match Winner: Kwanele ‘Zoo’ Dlamini
Manzini Wanderers
Coach: Musa Manyatsi
Captain: Linda Msibi
Key Players: Reagan Kangumbu, Banele ‘Bunny’ Dlamini
Match Winner: Sandile Maseko
BANUMZANE TARGET WIN AGAINST LOZITHA
Sisonkhe vs Lozitha Spurs
Somhlolo National Stadium, 1pm
SOCCER – Sisonkhe FC are set to begin their Mulasport NFD campaign with a high profile clash against Lozitha Spurs at the Somhlolo National Stadium.
After their early relegation from the MTN Premier League, Banumzane as they are fondly known will be eager to make a strong start as they turn their attention to familiar opposition.
The two sides will lock horns for the first time after in what promises to be a competitive encounter, with fireworks having become a familiar feature whenever the teams meet.
Sisonkhe stand-in-coach Sicelo Nyaweni has been handed a boost by the return of his first choice goalkeeper Lungelo Maziya.
The towering shot stopper has been released by Royal Leopard on loan for another season while versatile attacking midfielder Enzo Motsa has also extended his stay with the club.
Meanwhile, Lozitha Spurs will be aiming for a win against the opposition who are still trying to settle themselves in the lower league.
The clash, therefore, presents an intriguing opening-day battle, with Banumzane looking to make an early statement while Lozitha will be seeking to stamp their authority in the NFD.
Sisonkhe
Coach: Sicelo Nyaweni
Captain: Msimisi Dlamini
Key Players: Lungelo Maziya, Enzo Motsa
Match Winner: Kwanele Lukhele
Lozitha Spurs
Coach:
Captain: Sanele Malaza
Key Players: Luyanda Ndlovu, Phakamani Mabuza
Match Winner: Xolani Mavuso
