SOCCER – MANZINI Wanderers have secured an immediate return to the MTN Premier League after purchasing the top-flight status of newly promoted Red Rhinos in a deal believed to have been concluded on Wednesday.
The move effectively spares the maroon and white giants from relegation following a disastrous 2025/26 campaign, which saw them finish bottom of the table with just two victories all season.
The deal, whose financial details remain undisclosed, will see Wanderers retain their place in the country’s elite league, while Red Rhinos will take over the Weslians’ slot in the MulaSport National First Division.
Information gathered by this publication indicates that negotiations between the two clubs had been ongoing for nearly a month before being finalised at a hotel in Ezulwini.
Wanderers were reportedly represented by a high-powered delegation led by former managing director Wellington Motsa and the club’s legal team, while Red Rhinos were represented by Mlungisi Mamba and Sithembiso ‘Ngudze’ Mamba.
A source close to the transaction confirmed that the agreement had been concluded and now awaits the necessary administrative processes.
“It is a done deal following fruitful talks that lasted for almost a month. A private transaction was concluded on Wednesday shortly before the MulaSport National First Division prize presentation at Sibane Sami Hotel,” said the source.
“What is left now is for both teams to submit the relevant documents to the Premier League of Eswatini. This should be done before the Annual General Meeting, as required by the Constitution. Everyone is happy.
“Actually, Manzini Wanderers have not yet been officially relegated because the AGM is still to take place. It is during the AGM that promoted teams are formally admitted and relegated teams are confirmed.”
It is understood that Wanderers are preparing the required documentation for submission to the Premier League of Eswatini ahead of the AGM, expected to be held between August and September.
Earlier this year, the hub giants had been linked with a possible acquisition of Tabankulu Celtics’ status, but the deal failed to materialise.
Contacted for comment, Wanderers Communications Manager Sandile ‘Ntofo’ Dlamini remained cautious.
“Nothing has reached my office so far.
“However, if that is true, it would certainly be good news for the Manzini Wanderers family. For now, we will wait for communication from the Executive Committee and then inform the public accordingly,” he said.
With the 2026/27 MTN Premier League season fast approaching, Wanderers will now have little time to strengthen their squad and avoid another difficult campaign.
The club joins a growing list of teams that have acquired league statuses.
Ezulwini United previously purchased the status of Tambuti FC, while Nsingizini Hotspurs acquired Vovovo FC’s top-flight status. Last season, Peak Professionals also secured promotion through the acquisition of Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows’ status.
