If the opening weekend of the second edition of the E1.5 million MulaSport National First Division is anything to go by, football lovers can look forward to an exciting season.
The 2026/27 campaign kicked off to a vibrant start across the country, with matches played at different venues and supporters turning up to back their respective teams.
The grand opening took place at Somhlolo National Stadium, where football fans were treated to a double-header and a fitting launch ceremony that set the tone for what promises to be another important season for the country’s second-tier football competition.
The day’s proceedings began with the official launch of the MulaSport NFD, with sponsor MulaSport reaffirming its commitment to supporting football development in Eswatini.
MulaSport Country Director Mukelo Magagula expressed satisfaction with the partnership between the company and the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) while thanking participating teams and supporters for maintaining good behaviour around the game.
Magagula also extended a warm welcome to Manzini Wanderers, who entered the NFD for the first time in the club’s 69-year history following their relegation from the Premier League.
His message was significant as the historic club begins a new chapter in its long history, with the NFD now providing the platform for the Weslians to rebuild and fight for a return to the top flight.
PLE Chairman Polycarp Dlamini also praised MulaSport for its continued investment in the NFD and encouraged clubs to take the developmental purpose of the competition seriously.
Dlamini urged teams not to rely on old and retired players, stressing that the NFD should serve as a platform for developing young footballers and preparing them for the demands of top-flight football.
The launch was attended by senior football officials, including Eswatini Football Association (EFA) CEO Frederick Mngomezulu, PLE Vice-Chairman Sithembiso ‘Ngudze’ Mamba, PLE CEO Petros ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati and representatives from various participating clubs.
Beyond the speeches and formalities, the occasion also provided an opportunity for football stakeholders to come together and celebrate the return of the NFD.
Guests were treated to a scrumptious meal before attention quickly shifted to what mattered most – the football.
Sisonkhe and Lozitha Spurs had the honour of getting the action underway at Somhlolo. Sisonkhe secured a 1-0 victory, scoring late to claim all three points in a tightly contested encounter.
The second match then brought the spotlight firmly onto Manzini Wanderers, who made their historic NFD debut against Viva Stumbo XI.
The Weslians wasted little time in making their presence felt.
Wanderers produced an impressive 3-0 victory, controlling the match and showing quality and intent that will make them one of the teams to watch as the season progresses.
It was a statement performance from the hub giants as they began their journey in the NFD with a convincing win.
There was also plenty of action at other venues.
Mankayane United defeated Mpini Cosmos 2-0 while All Nations recorded a similar 2-0 victory over Moyeni Supersport.
Manzini Sundowns edged Msumpe Manchester 2-1 with Emajukujuku brushing aside Crookes Plantations 3-0.
Magwanyana and Nkwene shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw while former Premier League side Malanti Chiefs and Sidvwashini United provided one of the weekend’s most entertaining encounters, playing to a thrilling 3-3 draw.
The opening weekend delivered exactly what football supporters would have hoped for – goals, competition, drama and importantly, strong support from fans across the different venues.
For MulaSport, the successful launch represents more than simply the beginning of another football season.
It demonstrates the value of investing in the NFD and creating a platform where clubs can compete, young players can develop and supporters can continue enjoying the beautiful game.
The first weekend has certainly raised expectations.
With the foundation now firmly laid, the challenge is for the teams to maintain the same energy and commitment throughout the campaign.
For now, however, MulaSport deserves appreciation for getting the second edition of its E1.5 million NFD sponsorship off to such a positive and colourful start.
The season is only beginning but the opening weekend has already given football lovers plenty to look forward to.
SILVER DESERVES APPLAUSE – BUT MEDIA MUST DO ITS JOB
Sometimes, finishing second is not a failure.
Sometimes, a silver medal tells the story of a team that fought, recovered from disappointment and stood toe-to-toe with the best on the continent.
That is exactly what Eswatini’s men’s national netball team achieved in Nairobi, Kenya, where they finished as runners-up at the Africa Netball Cup after pushing defending champions South Africa all the way to a thrilling final.
The 49-45 defeat may have denied the national side gold but it should not take away from what was an impressive campaign against some of Africa’s leading netball nations.
South Africa, the continent’s leading force in men’s netball, started strongly and led 14-10 after the opening quarter before taking a 26-21 advantage into half-time.
Eswatini, however, refused to surrender as they pushed the opposing all the way.
The national side produced a magnificent third-quarter response, scoring 15 goals while restricting South Africa to just seven to turn a five-goal deficit into a 36-33 lead.
Although the defending champions regained their composure in the final quarter to win 49-45, Eswatini had already made its statement.
The journey to the final was equally impressive and the team needs to be applauded.
After losing 43-36 to South Africa in their opening match, Eswatini bounced back with a 42-37 victory over Malawi before edging Uganda 41-38.
They then defeated hosts Kenya 48-43 to book their place in the gold-medal match.
That resilience deserves recognition.
The silver medal also continues a remarkable run for the national side.
Eswatini won silver in 2024, bronze last year and have now returned to the second step of the continental podium.
That is not a record to be dismissed.
It is evidence of consistency, progress and the ability of the players and technical team to compete at the highest level of African men’s netball.
As Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council Marketing and Communications Officer Dumisani Ntiwane rightly said, the achievement shows the strides the country has made in the sport and has once again put the national flag on the continental map.
For that, the players, coaches and officials deserve our applause and we thank them for representing the country well.
However, while celebrating the team, there is also a lesson for those running sporting associations.
One official recently took to Facebook to question why the team had not been given a back-page story, effectively calling out the media for how it chose to cover the achievement.
That was simply offside and stop it immediately sir.
The media’s responsibility is to report, analyse and decide how stories are presented based on editorial judgement. Sporting associations and their officials are free to provide information, engage journalists and promote their athletes, but they cannot dictate where, when or how a newspaper should use its limited editorial space.
Newspapers have different priorities, deadlines, audiences and commercial considerations.
It is also worth remembering that some sporting associations do not advertise in newspapers, yet expect prominent editorial space whenever their teams achieve something.
Editorial coverage is not an entitlement that can be demanded through social-media posts.
The men’s netball team did not need such a confrontation.
Their performance spoke loudly enough.
A continental silver medal against South Africa in the final deserves celebration. The players have done their part by representing Eswatini with distinction.
Now, let them enjoy the recognition they have earned – without anyone trying to score unnecessary points off the media.
