Soccer – The 2025/26 MTN Premier League season has already produced standout performers whose influence is shaping the early narrative of the campaign. From prolific goal scorers to creative midfield maestros and dynamic wide players, several stars have emerged as central figures for their teams.
Rangers’ sharp-shooter Hleliso Gamedze and Tambankulu Celtics’ rising striker Malangeni Dlamini have been particularly impressive, carrying their sides with crucial goals and commanding performances. Equally influential is Nsingizini Hotspurs’ energetic midfielder Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, whose all-round displays have driven the defending champions to the top.
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Across the league, a new generation of talent is also breaking through, including Manzini Sea Birds’ powerful forward Joseph Kibonge and Nsingizini’s skilful playmaker Thubelihle Mavuso. Experienced heads such as Green Mamba’s Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze and Royal Leopard’s Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini continue to prove their value, ensuring a thrilling blend of youth, maturity, and raw ability in this year’s title race.
Players to Watch
Hleliso Gamedze (Rangers)
Deservedly the MTN Premier League Best Player for October, Gamedze has guided Rangers with crucial goals. He has seven goals from Rangers’ 12 scored this season. Coach Mthunzi Ginindza attributes his form to extra training.
“He asks to stay behind in training to do extra work, especially his finishing,” Ginindza said.
Malangeni Dlamini (Tambankulu Celtics)
New kid on the block, Dlamini has seven goals from Celtics’ 15 so far in eight games. If consistent, he could follow in the footsteps of Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa.
Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini (Nsingizini Hotspurs)
A workaholic box-to-box midfielder, Tiger scored three goals in three November games, including a brace at Malanti Chiefs and a 35-yard strike versus Manzini Sea Birds. He has matured and kept his cool in contested matches.
Joseph Kibonge (Manzini Sea Birds)
Stoutly built, Kibonge positions himself perfectly in the box and benefits from creativity from Philani Mkhonto and wingers Mthokozisi Gwebu and Muzi Tsabedze.
Thubelihle Mavuso (Nsingizini Hotspurs)
Twinkle-toed and unplayable on his day, Mavuso thrives in a free role to penetrate defenses but needs to improve finishing.
Sphiwe Cele (Mbabane Highlanders)
The South African winger makes dribbling look easy, creating lively attacks and consistently troubling full-backs.
Lizwe ‘Benny’ Dlamini (Mbabane Swallows)
A bright spot amid inconsistencies, Benny provides creativity and composure, lifting Swallows’ performance.
Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze (Green Mamba)
Returned from Tanzanian side Tabora United, scored two goals in five games, showing skill and experience.
Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini (Royal Leopard)
Underrated but pivotal, Thikithi creates attacking space for teammates. Key in Leopard’s 5-1 demolition of Ubombo Sugar.
Vusi ‘10%’ Mavuso (Tambankulu Celtics)
A midfield genius, dictates tempo, spreads passes, and energizes teammates. Crucial in Celtics’ debut elite league season.
MTN Premier League Week 9 Fixtures
Today – Nsukuwansuku Stadium
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Manzini Sea Birds vs Ubombo Sugar | 3pm
Tomorrow
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Mkhuzweni Technical Centre: Royal Leopard vs Nsingizini Hotspurs | 3pm
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King Sobhuza II Stadium: Rangers vs Ezulwini United | 3pm
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Tambankulu Stadium: Tambankulu Celtics vs Amawele | 3pm
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Ka-Langa Technical Centre: Green Mamba vs Manzini Wanderers | 3pm
Sunday
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Killarney Stadium: Malanti Chiefs vs Sisonkhe | 3pm
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Mavuso Sports Centre: Young Buffaloes vs Mbabane Highlanders | 1:30pm
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Moneni Pirates vs Mbabane Swallows | 3:45pm
MTN Premier League Log
| TEAM | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nsingizini Hotspurs | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 18 |
| Manzini Sea Birds | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 16 |
| Ezulwini United | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 16 |
| Rangers FC | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 15 |
| Green Mamba | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 14 |
| Young Buffaloes | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 13 |
| Tambankulu Celtics | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 12 |
| Mbabane Swallows | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 11 | -1 | 11 |
| Malanti Chiefs | 8 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 4 | -2 | 11 |
| Mbabane Highlanders | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 9 |
| Amawele FC | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | -1 | 8 |
| Moneni Pirates | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | -1 | 8 |
| Royal Leopard | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 10 | -2 | 8 |
| Ubombo Sugar | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 13 | -7 | 7 |
| Manzini Wanderers | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 16 | -9 | 5 |
| Sisonkhe FC | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 19 | -12 | 5 |
