Africa-Press – Eswatini. Ahead of Eswatini’s biggest match next week, there is still uncertainty with regard to the host venue.
Both venues, in Mavuso Sports Centre and Somhlolo National Stadium, that have a capacity to host the massive clash currently closed for upgrades. The clash is between arch-rivals Mbabane Swallows and Mbabane Highlanders. Highlanders are expected to host fellow giants Swallows for their second round match of the 2023/24 MTN Premier League season in round 24 next weekend. However, latest reports suggest that the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) office is facing a dilemma in finding a suitable venue. While it is Highlanders’ game, the PLE does have a say, especially in the last three fixtures of the season, as per the rules.
PLE Football Manager Pat Vilakati confirmed that nothing had been finalised as yet. “The venue is not final as yet,” Vilakati said. Meanwhile, Mavuso is also currently out of bounds. Du-Van Developers were said to be awarded the tender for the alterations of the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre and the Sports Centre’s VVIP Box. The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) disclosed that Du-Van Developers’ proposed contract price was E5 706 010.69 as stated in the intention to award the tender released in February. EIPA earlier confirmed that construction works commenced, and periods of a shutdown were to be expected.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Communications Officer Sibongiseni Zondi said no requests were made to secure Somhlolo National Stadium. The national stadium is owned by government. He was responding to a questionnaire with regards to Somhlolo National Stadium being requested as a possible venue. “Our office has not received a request as yet,” Zondi said. During the titanic clash, Swallows would be aiming to continue their fine for, while Highlanders would want to avenge the defeat in a cup match. The Caleb Ngwenya-led team crushed Bull’s dream of tasting success in the 2023/24 Ingwenyama Cup sponsored by Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) tournament by thrashing them in the semi-final.
A packed Somhlolo National Stadium witnessed the one-sided encounter which saw Swallows strike three unanswered goals past hapless Highlanders shotstopper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala. Since losing to forces side Green Mamba at the start of October last year, Swallows have not suffered a single defeat in the league. They are in stunning form going into the mouth-watering clash. Meanwhile, the host team Highlanders have suffered six defeats, with Young Buffaloes adding to their woes with a 4-1 thrashing, last Saturday. Highlanders are 11 points behind log leaders and rivals Swallows after being placed in sixth spot the past weekend. The giants were tied to a 1-all draw in their last league match on December 10, 2023.
Highlanders Public Relations Officer (PRO) Kenneth Dlamini said they were yet to meet to plan the eagerly-anticipated match. “The host venue has not been decided as we are facing Swallows after one game. However, the decision would be known soon,” Dlamini said.
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