SOCCER – Week Six of the MTN Premier League delivered upsets, statement performances and a reshuffled table that left fans gasping for breath. For all the preseason predictions about the usual heavyweights dominating early, the league has flipped the script.
The so-called ‘small teams’ are punching far above their weight, the giants are stuttering and the title chase already has the makings of a blockbuster.
Champions Nsingizini Hotspurs have rebooted their campaign, Ezulwini United are defying expectations and Rangers are emerging as legitimate contenders. Meanwhile, giants Mbabane Swallows, Mbabane Highlanders and Manzini Wanderers are stuck in early-season turbulence.
With only six points between the top 10 sides, this title race is shaping into a marathon like no other. Competitive, dramatic and fiercely unpredictable — 2025/26 might be the most thrilling campaign in recent memory.
Here are the seven biggest lessons from a dramatic batch of midweek and weekend fixtures:
1. Nsingizini finding their feet again
Anyone thinking Nsingizini Hotspurs’ title defence was wobbling got a loud response. Their 3–0 dismantling of previously unbeaten Malanti Chiefs was ruthless and reassuring.
Captain Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini was the heartbeat, scoring a brilliant brace before leaving injured. His composed finish and towering header set the tone, while Joel Madondo’s thunderous long-range strike sealed the victory.
Now second on the table with 12 points, the champions look alive again — and dangerous.
2. Sisonkhe finally break their duck
Basement side Sisonkhe FC recorded their first win after six attempts — and did it against Mbabane Highlanders, a team they traditionally trouble.
Njabulo Gama’s 85th-minute strike punished a costly defensive lapse and gave Sisonkhe a psychological breakthrough.
For Highlanders, the frustration continues. For Sisonkhe, belief has been restored.
3. Ezulwini the only unbeaten side standing
The fairytale continues. Ezulwini United remain the only unbeaten team this season after a gritty 1–0 win over Royal Leopard.
Kwenzokuhle Khumalo’s first-half strike sealed it, and Ezulwini’s impressive game management once again shone through.
Compact, disciplined, and resilient — they are no longer outsiders. They are contenders.
4. The Big Three are stumbling – badly
Mbabane Swallows, Mbabane Highlanders and Manzini Wanderers continue to falter.
-
Swallows slumped to a 2–0 defeat to an energetic Rangers side.
-
Highlanders were stunned by Sisonkhe.
-
Wanderers remain stuck in the lower half of the table, searching for consistency.
The aura of invincibility is gone. Their struggles now form a pattern, not an exception.
5. Leopard’s struggles a growing concern
Royal Leopard, one of the most decorated clubs in local football, are enduring a nightmare start. Their 1–0 loss to Ezulwini was their third defeat in six matches, leaving them 13th.
With only three goals scored this season, a porous defence and a midfield lacking bite, Leopard look like a shadow of their former selves.
The season is salvageable — but only with urgent recalibration.
6. Only four teams have avoided draws
Nsingizini Hotspurs, Tabankulu Celtics, Mbabane Swallows and Sisonkhe have not recorded a draw this season.
This highlights two patterns:
-
Nsingizini & Celtics = high-risk, high-reward football.
-
Swallows & Sisonkhe = wildly inconsistent form swings.
It also reflects the league’s aggressive nature — teams are chasing wins, not settling for safety.
7. A title race for the ages is brewing
Only six points separate leaders Sea Birds from 10th-placed Highlanders — a ridiculously tight spread.
-
Sea Birds reclaimed top spot with a gritty 2–1 win over Moneni Pirates.
-
Rangers continue to shine, powered by red-hot striker Hleliso ‘Madlenya’ Gamedze.
-
Ezulwini remain unbeaten.
-
Nsingizini are reawakening.
-
Green Mamba remain quietly efficient.
No team has broken away. No team looks untouchable. Every match feels like a cup final — and the season is shaping up to be unforgettable.
| POS | TEAM | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manzini Sea Birds | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 13 |
| 2 | Nsingizini Hotspurs | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 12 |
| 3 | Ezulwini United | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 12 |
| 4 | Rangers FC | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 11 |
| 5 | Green Mamba | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 11 |
| 6 | Young Buffaloes | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 10 |
| 7 | Tambankulu Celtics | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 9 |
| 8 | Malanti Chiefs | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 3 | -1 | 9 |
| 9 | Mbabane Swallows | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 8 | -1 | 9 |
| 10 | Mbabane Highlanders | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 8 |
| 11 | Moneni Pirates | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 7 |
| 12 | Amawele FC | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 5 |
| 13 | Royal Leopard | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 5 |
| 14 | Manzini Wanderers | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 9 | -5 | 5 |
| 15 | Ubombo Sugar | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 4 |
| 16 | Sisonkhe FC | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 16 | -12 | 3 |
