Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Manzini Wanderers court verdict has given a lifeline to as many teams – imagine a season without relegation altogether.
The ultimate one, though, is that the hub giants are back as an elite side next season. This was confirmed by the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Executive Committee led by its Chairman Polycarp Dlamini on Monday. This was during a press conference at Sigwaca House.
There will be no relegation for the three bottom teams in the National First Division (NFD) League standings, including Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows, which will not be relegated.
In the topflight, it will be a 16-team league to accommodate the return to action of Wanderers who successfully challenged their relegation in the country’s courts, but paid the heavy price of not kicking the ball in either league.
“We’re grateful for the successful season and thank our teams, sponsors, and all stakeholders like the supporters and the media, the police and security personnel for working with us all the way.
We congratulate the champions Nsingizini Hotspurs on their achievement.
“We’re out to comply with the Manzini Wanderers court verdict, which means Wanderers will play in the premier league next season where we will have 16 teams.
PLE Chairman Polycarp Dlamini flanked by executive members and subcomiteees representstives during the press briefing held on monday.
e will have playoffs that will be played by Sidvwashini United, Madlenya, and the number three and four in the National First Division,” announced Dlamini.
This essentially means no automatic relegation for Sidvwashini, who finished on number 13 and Madlenya at number 14.
Instead, the two get a lifeline to fight for their elite status in a playoff situation involving NFD sides Lozitha Spurs and Tabankulu Celtics, who finished third and fourth respectively.
Dlamini said the dates for the playoffs would be announced in due course. Otherwise, the 2024/25 season was over and for next season, the first tournament, the 8bet Trade Fair Cup will be launched soon while they continued to seek a sponsor for a Community Shield-like tournament but to go with a different name.
Meanwhile, Dlamini thanked the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs for availing the Somhlolo National Stadium when it was required at times especially for the Ingwenyama Cup finals and the MTN Premier League grand closing match and title decider between champions Nsingizini and Sidvwashini United.
He said the stadium was set to be available to the PLE as of next month.
Furthermore, details of the playoffs and the format will be out in due course, but it is expected the overall winner, runners-up, and third-placed team will get the three elite status to form the 16 teams.
Two teams, Malanti Chiefs and Amawele, earned elite promotion as NFD champions and runners-up, then Wanderers, taking the number of teams to 13.
This leaves the number of teams at 13, with three more spaces left. Elite relegation candidates Sidvwashini and Madlenya will relish rhus opportunity but will face stiff competition from Lozitha and Tabankulu Celtics. One of them will play NFD football.
Meanwhile, Wanderers are set to cash in from the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) as they are in talks for a compensation said to be around E500 000 to help them kick-start their preparations for next season.
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