The MTN Premier League in Eswatini is revising its round two fixtures after receiving the final list of players selected for the national Under-23 squad. Premier League CEO Pat Vilakati stated that changes would be made once confirmation of the final squad for the Olympic qualifier against Malawi was received. The league had already issued the weekend fixtures but would make adjustments accordingly.
The Under-23 squad is preparing for the first leg of the Olympic qualifier against Malawi, with the return leg scheduled for October 6 at Somhlolo National Stadium. Several Premier League clubs have players in the Under-23 squad, including Mbabane Swallows, Nsingizini Hotspurs, Red Rhinos, Young Buffaloes, Moneni Pirates, Royal Leopard, Mbabane Highlanders AM, Amawele, and Manzini Sea Birds.
Mbabane Swallows has three players in the Under-23 squad: defender Siphosethu Hlatshwako, midfielder Sanele Ngwenya, and forward Bongiswa Dlamini. According to Swallows Public Relations Officer Knowledge Ngwenya, the club would seek guidance from the Premier League on whether its Sunday fixture against Red Rhinos would go ahead, as the three players are important to Swallows' league campaign.
Nsingizini Hotspurs currently has four players in the Under-23 squad: defender Mthobisi Zwane, midfielders Luyanda Nhlengetfwa and Thandolwethu Mabelesa, and forward Njongo Mazibuko. They are scheduled to host Manzini Sea Birds at King Sobhuza II Stadium on Saturday. The Premier League's decision on the affected fixtures is now expected after the final national-team list has been confirmed.
The matter is covered under Rule 10 of the Premier League Rules and Regulations, which deals with players selected for representative matches. Rule 10.1 provides for the release of players to the EFA when national team participation is obligatory under FIFA and EFA regulations. Rule 10.2 states that where more than three registered players are unavailable to a club because of an obligatory national-team call-up, the league match scheduled during the period of the call-up will be postponed.
Premier League CEO Pat Vilakati did not specify which teams would be affected or when the amended fixtures would be issued. However, he mentioned that the changes would apply to clubs with more players involved with the national team. The league is expected to finalize the revised fixtures once the final list of players is confirmed.
The Premier League's fixture revision is a result of the national Under-23 team's preparation for the Olympic qualifier against Malawi. The league's scheduling adjustments aim to accommodate the teams affected by the player call-ups, ensuring a smooth continuation of the league season.
Key points
- The MTN Premier League round two fixtures are being revised due to player call-ups for the national Under-23 squad's Olympic qualifier against Malawi.
- Several Premier League clubs, including Mbabane Swallows and Nsingizini Hotspurs, have players in the Under-23 squad.
- The Premier League's decision on the affected fixtures is pending confirmation of the final national-team list.
