Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chief Executive Officer Patrols Vilakati says the passion of football fans and the professionalism of local teams will be the key forces propelling Eswatini football to greater heights.
In a newsletter released by the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) on Monday, Vilakati described the current season as one of “growth, unity, and renewed promise” for local football.
“The first few weeks of the campaign have already reflected discipline, respect and commitment from all stakeholders,” said Vilakati.
He noted that attendance at the grand openings of both leagues was impressive, with clubs honouring fixtures in a professional manner. Referees have also earned praise for their consistency, with no major complaints recorded so far.
Sponsorship milestone
The CEO highlighted that this season marks a historic commercial milestone for domestic football.
The Premier League signed a three-year E22.5 million sponsorship deal with MTN Eswatini, while the National First Division secured a three-year E4.5 million partnership with MulaSport.
“This is the first time in almost 24 years that both leagues have separate sponsors a clear sign of football’s growing corporate appeal,” he said.
Vilakati added that these partnerships would introduce incentive programmes aimed at rewarding players and clubs for performance and commitment throughout the season.
Driving modernisation and fan engagement
Vilakati said the diversification of sponsorships represents a significant step in strengthening the financial foundation and competitiveness of local football.
He announced the launch of the PLE SmartCard, a first-of-its-kind digital innovation in Eswatini football, designed to enhance fan experience and streamline payments.
Powered by SkyFly and MTN MoMo, the NFC-enabled card costs E150 per year and links to a fan’s digital profile. It offers cashless stadium payments, loyalty points, merchandise discounts, and exclusive league content.
Clubs will receive 80% of the revenue generated from SmartCard sales, while the PLE and SkyFly share the remaining 20%.
Digital ticketing and challenges
Match tickets are now available exclusively through Moja Tickets, allowing fans to purchase in advance and scan for instant entry at stadiums — a move aimed at improving convenience and security.
Despite these innovations, Vilakati acknowledged that infrastructure remains a major challenge for several clubs that still depend on rented or privately owned facilities.
“With growing fan passion and a culture of professionalism, Eswatini football is firmly on a path of transformation,” he concluded.
