NSINGIZINI Hotspurs’ chase for MTN Premier League glory has hit a bump on the road as their trusted defensive wall Nkosingiphile ‘Skomota’ Shongwe and Ncamiso ‘Torres’ Thwala will be forced to sit out this weekend’s crucial tie.
They are not alone. Joining them on the sidelines is Mbabane Highlanders’ dependable first-choice goalkeeper Qiniso ‘Kati’ Nyawo.
Nsingizini, currently gunning for the league title, will now have to rejig their backline ahead of a must-win fixture. Despite the setback, their head coach Simon Ngomane remained upbeat.
The wave of suspensions doesn’t end there. Swallows’ veteran defender Sifiso Mabila, Manzini Sea Birds’ forward Mthokozisi Gwebu and Ezulwini United’s Emmanuel Dufai are also among those set to miss out this weekend. In the National First Division, four players have also fallen foul of the rules and received their marching orders.
The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) CEO Petros ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati confirmed the suspensions through official correspondence.
These bookings triggered the automatic suspension as outlined in Article 6.2(a) of the MTN Premier League 2024/25 Rules and Regulations, which enforces a one-match ban for any player accumulating three cautions.
With the title race heating up and teams jostling for positions, these absences could not have come at a more critical juncture. For some clubs, it’s a test of squad depth; for others, it’s a chance for fringe players to shine.
MTN Premier League
Qiniso Nyawo – Mbabane Highlanders
Ncamiso Thwala – Nsingizini Hotspurs
Nkosingiphile Shongwe – Nsingizini Hotspurs
Sanele Khumalo – Rangers
Sifiso Mabila – Mbabane Swallows
Emmanuel Dufai – Ezulwini United
Likhwa Myeni – Madlenya
Mthokozisi Gwebu – Manzini Sea Birds
MTN NFD
Neliswa Nxumalo – Lozitha
Samkeliso Magagula – All Nations
Sifiso Mtfunjwa – Pigg’s Peak Rangers
Emmanuel Nsiah – CK Survivors
