The football family continues to eulogize MTN Eswatini for her fantastic role towards the development of football in the country. Both the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) and the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) sang the same tune for the sponsor of both the MTN Premier League and the MTN National First Division during the prize presentation ceremony for both leagues that was perfectly realized at Sibane Hotel.
“I consequently, from the onset, would like to express our candid distinction to MTN, for the customary generous sponsorship and investment that continue to endure our national senior leagues,” said the EFA President, Mr. Peter Simelane. The Premier League of Eswatini’s (PLE’s) Chairman, Mr. Mark Carmicheal through the PLE Executive Member Mr. Polycarp Dlamini also expressed PLE’s appreciation for the wonderful partnership of the PLE and MTN Eswatini over the years through this sponsorship. “The PLE appreciates and passes her sincere gratitude to MTN Eswatini for her support in the past twenty-two (22) years”, Carmicheal said. He also highlighted that the PLE looks forward to further collaborations with MTN Eswatini and other stakeholders for the betterment of football. “The PLE is looking forward to further collaborations with MTN Eswatini and other stakeholders for the betterment of the sport”, Carmicheal said.
During this event, Green Mamba FC’s captain and Senior Men’s National Team midfielder Mxolisi Mkhontfo was crowned the Player of the Year for the MTN Premier League whilst Rangers FC’s Mfanasibili Kunene was crowned the Player of the Year for the MTN National First Division. Other individual prize winners were as follows;
MTN Premier League
- Top Goal scorer : Felix Badenhorst (Mbabane Swallows FC)
- Best Coach : Ernest Mavuso (Green Mamba FC)
- Best Goalkeeper : Mlungis Nxumalo (Young Buffaloes FC)
- Best PRO : Frank Hurube (Royal Leopard FC)
MTN National First Division
- Top Goal scorer : Thabiso Sithole (Hlathikhulu Tycoon FC)
- Beast Coach : Mthunzi Ginindza (Rangers FC)
- Best PRO : Thembinkosi Hlanze (Ranger FC)
Referees
- Best Referee : Celumusa Siphepho
- Best Assistant Referee : Sambulo Simelane
Sponsor
The MTN Eswatini’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Wandile Mtshali highlighted that as a sponsor for both leagues, these prizes are for celebrating the efforts of the players and they will remain committed in developing football in the country. “Congratulations to the champions of both leagues and the winners of the individual prizes. These awards are for celebrating the efforts of the players. MTN Eswatini remains committed in developing football in the country,” Mtshali said.