The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Charity Cup is set to kick off on Sunday at the Mavuso Sports Centre, featuring a highly anticipated local derby between Mbabane Highlanders AM and Mbabane Swallows. The tournament draw, conducted by PLE official Zandile 'Momo' Matse, also paired Green Mamba with Ubombo Sugar in the play-off fixtures. The event was attended by PLE Chairman Polycarp Dlamini, CEO Pat 'Kungumusa' Vilakati, and Eswatini Football Association representative Aaron 'Katalala' Mavimbela.
According to the Charity Cup framework released by the PLE on September 17, 2026, all Premier League and National First Division (NFD) clubs were eligible to participate in the televoting system. The top two teams with the most votes would qualify directly for the semi-finals, while the remaining four would contest play-off matches. Moneni Pirates and Nsingizini Hotspurs secured direct semi-final berths by achieving the required voting tallies.
The PLE set a minimum voting threshold of 20,000 votes for Premier League clubs and 10,000 votes for NFD clubs. However, when voting closed on Monday, only Moneni Pirates and NFD outfit Nkwene Sundowns had met their respective targets. A source close to the matter revealed that the PLE held a special meeting with the eight qualifying clubs, instructing those that fell short to increase their votes or face deductions.
The PLE CEO, Pat 'Kungumusa' Vilakati, explained that the PLE Executive Committee set clear standards for tournament entry, including the voting minimums. Vilakati clarified that the voting breakdown showed teams made an effort, and the ExCo resolved that the tournament should proceed as planned. The eight participating teams will each receive E15,000 as a participation fee.
The source alleged that teams that failed to meet the voting threshold risk deductions from either their participation fees or gate takings. The PLE Charity Cup schedule shows Green Mamba will face Ubombo Sugar at 1:30 pm, followed by the Mbabane derby between Mbabane Highlanders AM and Mbabane Swallows at 4:15 pm.
Eswatini football fans can look forward to an exciting tournament, with the potential for thrilling matches and upsets. The PLE has taken steps to ensure the tournament's integrity by setting clear voting standards and enforcing participation fees. The event promises to be a significant moment for Eswatini football.
In related news, other sports and lifestyle stories have been making headlines in Eswatini, including the arrest of socialites and a banker in connection with an alleged fraud, and the graduation of 34 police officers with diplomas in Police Science.
Key points
- Teams that fail to meet the voting threshold risk deductions from participation fees or gate takings.
- The PLE Charity Cup features a local derby between Mbabane Highlanders AM and Mbabane Swallows.
- Moneni Pirates and Nsingizini Hotspurs secured direct semi-final berths by achieving the required voting tallies.
