Amawele, led by South African businessman Ally Kgomongwe, received a harsh introduction to the MTN Eswatini Premier League as they were defeated 3-0 by Ezulwini United on Sunday. The match marked the beginning of new chapters for both teams, with Caleb Ngwenya taking charge of Ezulwini United and Mpendulo 'Mapho' Ngwenya starting his spell with Amawele. Kgomongwe, previously a director at Mbabane Highlanders, acquired the status of the Msunduza-based club during the pre-season.
Ezulwini United dominated the match from the opening whistle, dictating the tempo and forcing Amawele onto the back foot. Banele Nkambule was at the heart of their dominance, producing a performance that would eventually earn him the Man of the Match award. The breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute when Nkambule took on the Amawele defence before unleashing a composed effort across advancing goalkeeper Siboniso Sibeko and into the far corner.
Amawele tried to respond, with former Mbabane Swallows star Lizwe Dlamini testing Ezulwini goalkeeper Siyabonga Magagula in the 26th minute. However, Magagula dealt comfortably with the effort. Ezulwini continued to threaten and their captain came close in the 32nd minute, heading over the crossbar from a corner. Amawele's afternoon became increasingly uncomfortable when Andile Gwebu was brought down by Mlondi Dlamini, with referee Vuyo Khoza showing the Amawele goalkeeper a yellow card.
After the restart, Ezulwini returned with the same hunger and created three early chances, although Sibusiso Motsa and Mvelo Kwetela were unable to find the target from close range. The moment that broke Amawele's resistance came in the 56th minute when Nkambule burst down the left flank and unleashed a thunderous strike that gave Dlamini no chance. This goal marked the beginning of the end for Amawele.
Ezulwini refused to take their foot off the pedal, and six minutes from full-time, Nkambule turned creator, threading an assist into the path of Boniswa Gama, who calmly slotted the ball past Dlamini to complete a convincing 3-0 victory. This win marked a perfect opening statement for Caleb Ngwenya's Ezulwini United.
The defeat was a harsh introduction to the MTN Premier League for Ally's Amawele, who are under new leadership and expected to compete at a high level. Kgomongwe has made it clear that he wants to compete after acquiring the status of the Mbabane-based side, with the club expected to eventually be renamed Mbabane Black Eagles in the 2027/28 season.
The match was one of several taking place in the MTN Eswatini Premier League, with other teams also vying for success. Moneni Pirates, for example, recently signed two youth players from South African team Pirates. Meanwhile, international cyclists are flocking to the MTN Khemani, and preparations are underway for the annual event.
Key points
- Ezulwini United defeated Amawele 3-0 in the MTN Eswatini Premier League.
- Amawele is under new leadership, led by South African businessman Ally Kgomongwe.
- The defeat marked a harsh introduction to the MTN Premier League for Amawele.
