Ezulwini United began their MTN Premier League journey on a high note, securing a 3-0 victory over Amawele at the Ka-Langa Technical Centre. The match saw Banele Nkambule score a brace, with Bongiswa Gama adding the third goal to seal a comfortable win for the Stingers. The home team dominated the game, creating several promising opportunities in the opening half and quickly taking control of proceedings.
The Stingers' attack gained pace and purpose with the introduction of Banele Nkambule and Banele Sihlongonyane, while Sambulo Vilakati provided a strong focal point in midfield. Their sustained pressure paid off in the 16th minute when Nkambule beat Amawele goalkeeper Mlondi Dlamini from close range to give Ezulwini United the lead. Nkambule came close to doubling the advantage moments later but failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
Amawele struggled to find their rhythm in the final third and offered little threat going forward. Their attacking efforts were comfortably contained by the Stingers' defence, leaving goalkeeper Siyabonga Magagula with very little to do during the opening 45 minutes. The match went to break with Ezulwini United leading 1-0.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Ezulwini United maintaining control and dictating the tempo. Nkambule came close to adding another goal in the 52nd minute, but his long-range effort was parried away for a fruitless corner by the Amawele goalkeeper. The hosts continued to press, and their persistence was rewarded in the 60th minute when Nkambule completed his brace.
With the clock winding down, the Stingers remained firmly in control and continued to threaten on the counterattack. Their dominance was rewarded once again in the 84th minute when Bongiswa Gama outpaced the Amawele defence and found the back of the net to make it 3-0. Amawele were unable to mount a late comeback, and referee Ntokozo Khoza brought the contest to an end after 90 minutes.
The final whistle confirmed a commanding opening-day victory for Ezulwini United, while Amawele were left with plenty of work to do ahead of their next league assignment. Amawele are now under the ownership of former Mbabane Highlanders Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe, who acquired the team's Premier League status. This was the team's first official match since he took over.
The win for Ezulwini United was one of several results in the MTN Premier League, with other matches seeing Mbabane Highlanders draw 0-0 with Green Mamba, Moneni Pirates beating Nsingizini 1-0, and PPK Professionals defeating Red Rhinos 3-1. Other results included Celtics drawing 1-1 with Madlenya, Manzini Sea Birds drawing 3-3 with Royal Leopard, and Ubombo Sugar beating Mbabane Swallows 1-0.
Key points
- Ezulwini United's 3-0 win over Amawele marked a strong start to their MTN Premier League campaign.
- Banele Nkambule scored a brace for Ezulwini United, while Bongiswa Gama added the third goal.
- The win marked a difficult return to football for Amawele's new owner, Chief Ally Kgomongwe.
