SOCCER – END of an era.
In a dramatic twist for one of Eswatini’s football giants, Manzini Wanderers have been relegated from the country’s elite league for the first time in their 69-year history.
As the current MTN Premier League season draws to a close, the Weslians, once synonymous with dominance, now face the humbling prospect of going down to the second-tier division.
This comes after a 0-2 defeat yesterday at the hands of Mbabane Swallows, coupled with wins for Sisonkhe and Malanti Chiefs, which made the prospect of survival mathematically impossible.
Wanderers etched their name in the annals of local football with a history rich in silverware, maintaining an enduring presence as a top-tier force and boasting six Swazi Premier League titles — the last clinched in the 2002/03 season.
Beyond league honours, the Wanderers’ trophy cabinet gleams with an impressive haul. Records indicate at least 34 major trophies, excluding regional championships.
However, for over two decades, the Weslians have endured a championship drought and this prolonged absence from the summit has eroded their aura, culminating in yesterday’s relegation showdown.
Manzini Wanderers grappled with inconsistency, defensive frailties and the weight of expectation from a loyal fanbase.
Wanderers now become the second club among Eswatini’s traditional ‘Big 3’, comprising Highlanders, Swallows and Wanderers, to experience such a fate.
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Mbabane Highlanders, another powerhouse, previously faced relegation.
Coming to the match, Wanderers started the opening minutes with clear positive intent despite the pressure. Swallows were content to sit back and absorb the early pressure as they looked to spring the counter-attack.
They eventually broke the deadlock in the 17th minute as Njongo Mazibuko sent a lobbed header over the oncoming keeper.
Wanderers tried to respond but lacked the quality in the final third when they had scoring chances.
Nhlanhla Ngwenya nearly made them pay for not taking their chances as his effort hit the top post on the way out. Wanderers made a change at the start of the second half.
The change saw slight improvement in Wanderers’ play but was not enough to spark a comeback.
Veteran Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko tried his best to orchestrate the play, finding his teammates with forward penetrating passes.
Lwazi ‘Shumi’ Mamba missed the best chance of the half when a through ball found him alone in acres of space, but he sent his first-time shot wide.
Wanderers’ final nail in the coffin came courtesy of Njongo, who completed his brace in the 89th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
The maroon and white giants continued to put on a valiant display until the final whistle. With the sound of his whistle, referee Njabulo Siphepho confirmed Wanderers’ exit from the Premier League, marking the beginning of what will be a new chapter in the club’s long history.
