MBABANE Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize’s Mbabane Highlanders AM will face Ally Kgomongwe’s Amawele in a headline MTN Premier League clash on Sunday.
The encounter which will be held at Somhlolo National Stadium brings together two clubs whose recent fortunes have been shaped by South African business interests, adding an intriguing subplot to Matchweek Two.
Mkhize took charge of Mbabane Highlanders AM in July 2025, formally assuming leadership of the capital city club after the ownership and leadership changes that preceded her arrival.
Kgomongwe, meanwhile, is now behind Amawele, having moved on from his previous involvement with Highlanders. His latest project has already attracted significant attention in Eswatini football.
Amawele will head into Sunday’s encounter under new Coach Bongani Mhlongo, who was unveiled this week, after the club parted ways with Mpumelelo Ngwenya and his technical team following a 3-0 defeat to Ezulwini United in their opening league match.
Mhlongo, a former Green Mamba coach, has immediately been tasked with preparing the Msunduza based side for the high profile meeting with Highlanders AM.
The fixture also highlights the changing face of Eswatini football, with local clubs increasingly providing a pathway for players to move into stronger leagues in the region.
Defending champions Nsingizini Hotspurs have been among the most notable exporters. Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala moved to Zimbabwean champions Scottland, while Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane , Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, Thubelihle Mavuso and Yeki Khumalo joined Zimbabwean newcomers Hardrock. Uganda born striker Joel ‘Ginger’ Madondo also secured a move to South Africa’s Richards Bay.
The movement of players outside Eswatini has added another dimension to the domestic league, with Eswatini clubs increasingly attracting attention beyond the country’s borders.
Mbabane Swallows remain the country’s most prominent CAF Champions League success story. In 2018, they became the first Eswatini club to reach the competition’s group stage after eliminating Zambia’s Zanaco 3-1 on aggregate. They will face newly promoted Red Rhinos who suffered a 3-1 loss to Piggs Peak Professionals while Swallows lost 1-0 to Ubombo Sugar.
MATCHWEEK TWO FIXTURES
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026
King Sobhuza II Stadium
Green Mamba vs Celtics 3:00pm
Mkhuzweni Technical Centre
Royal Leopard vs Ezulwini United 3:00pm
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
King Sobhuza II Stadium
Nsingizini Hotspurs vs Manzini Sea Birds 3:00pm
Mayaluka Stadium
Ubombo Sugar vs Rangers 3:00pm
KaLanga Technical Centre
Madlenya vs Pigg’s Peak Professionals 3:15pm
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2026
KaLanga Technical Centre
Red Rhinos vs Mbabane Swallows 3:15pm
Somhlolo National Stadium
Amawele vs Mbabane Highlanders AM 1:30pm
Young Buffaloes vs Moneni Pirates 3:45pm
