SOCCER – GAMES are back.
Uncertainty surrounding the grand opening of the 2026/27 MTN Premier League season has eased after the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) and Eswatini Referees Association (ERA) met yesterday over the long-running dispute concerning match officials’ remuneration.
The meeting, which lasted for most of the day, has paved the way for this weekend’s opening fixtures, although the remuneration issue remains unresolved.
The PLE is expected to provide a formal response within seven days to the referees’ demand for an increment in their match-day payments.
The matter has reportedly been outstanding for more than three years and had cast doubt over the smooth start of the new campaign, with this publication reporting that some referees were considering boycotting the opening matches if the issue was not addressed.
ERA Secretary Mbongeni Shongwe confirmed that the association had met with the PLE yesterday and described the discussions as fruitful.
He said the referees’ body would now await the PLE’s response before deciding on its next course of action.
“We met and we resolved that they come back with a response in the next seven days. We are going to be guided by their response. This is a matter that has been going on for a while. We are hoping for the positives and we are committed to working for football diligently,” Shongwe said.
However, PLE Chief Executive Officer Petros ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati disputed the characterisation of the meeting, saying it was not specifically about the remuneration of match officials.
Vilakati said the discussions were instead aimed at finding a way forward ahead of the start of the new season.
The meeting comes just a day before the return of top-flight football, with the 2026/27 MTN Premier League season scheduled to kick off today.
The development is expected to ease concerns surrounding the opening weekend, although the seven-day window given to the PLE means the remuneration dispute remains an issue to watch as the season gets under way.
Eight matches are scheduled for the opening weekend.
Today’s action will see PPK Professionals host Red Rhinos FC at Killarney Sports Ground at 3pm, while Celtics welcome Madlenya to Tambankulu Stadium at the same time.
At Mhlume Stadium, Manzini Sea Birds FC will face Royal Leopard, while Ubombo Sugar entertain Mbabane Swallows at Mayaluka Stadium. Both matches are scheduled for 3pm.
The headline fixture will take place at Somhlolo National Stadium, where Mbabane Highlanders AM face Green Mamba at 4.15pm.
At the same venue, defending champions Nsingizini Hotspurs will begin their title defence against Moneni Pirates at 3pm.
Tomorrow’s programme will see Ezulwini United host Amawele at KaLanga Technical Centre at 3pm, while Rangers take on Young Buffaloes at King Sobhuza II Stadium at the same time.
While the opening whistle is now set to go ahead, the focus will remain on the PLE’s response to the referees in the next seven days, with the outcome likely to determine whether the long-running remuneration dispute is finally brought to an end.
