National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) for E450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) forE450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) for E450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) for E450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
National Team Replicas are available @ The Century Fashion (Mbabane), African Heritage (Matsapha), Mr. Matata (Moneni) for E450 each(New) & E280 each(Old)
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EFA News

MAVULA CITY STARS SHINE IN BUHLENI AS BUILD IT EFA U13 CHAMPIONSHIP DELIVERS GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL EXCITEMENT

Mavula City Stars F.C. emerged champions of the Build It EFA U13 Buhleni Championship 2026 following an impressive 3–1 victory over Soccer Rose F.C. in the final played at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre on Saturday, 3 October 2026.

The Buhleni tournament brought together eight teams in a day of competitive youth football, showcasing the talent, determination and sporting spirit of Eswatini’s emerging football stars.

The participating teams were divided into two groups, with Group A comprising Skom Academy, Buhleni United, Lomakhaphaza and Mhlangatane Celtics, while Group B featured Mavula City Stars, Mawombe Arsenal, Soccer Rose and Macocweni F.C.

Mhlangatane Celtics topped Group A, with Skom Academy finishing second, while Mavula City Stars demonstrated their dominance in Group B by winning all three group-stage matches to finish ahead of Soccer Rose.

The semi-finals produced exciting encounters, with Soccer Rose securing their place in the final after eliminating Mhlangatane Celtics through a penalty shootout. Mavula City Stars, meanwhile, booked their final berth with a 2–1 victory over Skom Academy.

In the final, Mavula City Stars delivered a commanding performance to overcome Soccer Rose 3–1 and claim the Buhleni championship title. Their outstanding campaign was further reflected in the individual awards, with the champions sweeping all five accolades.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, Build It Plus Mbabane Human Resource Manager, Mr Gladwin Hillary, expressed appreciation to the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), its partners, parents and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful delivery of the tournament.

“We thank you so much for allowing us to hold this U13 tournament, and we are looking forward to seeing you on the 28th of November for the national championships. Congratulations to the team that won today, and we hope you will do well at the national championships,” said Hillary.

EFA Executive Committee Member and Amateur and Grassroots Chairperson, Mr Aaron Mavimbela, applauded Build It Plus for its continued investment in grassroots football, highlighting the importance of partnerships in creating meaningful development opportunities for young players.

“We sincerely thank Build It Plus for making this tournament possible. Their continued support for grassroots football is helping us create opportunities for young players to showcase their talent, develop their abilities and grow their love for the game,” said Mavimbela.

He also extended his appreciation to parents, coaches and players for their participation and commitment, emphasising that the tournament was a collective success.

“I would like to thank the parents, coaches and players for being part of this initiative. To all the teams, I want to emphasise that you are all winners because you have had the opportunity to participate, learn and compete. What matters most at this level is development, discipline and the spirit of sportsmanship,” he added.

Mavimbela further expressed satisfaction with the teams’ adherence to the agreements reached during the pre-tournament meeting, noting that discipline and cooperation remain essential components of youth football development.

“We are particularly pleased that the teams respected what was agreed upon during our pre-tournament meeting. This demonstrates that we are building not only football talent but also discipline and responsibility among our young players. We now look forward to seeing you at the national championships on 28 November, where you will have another opportunity to demonstrate your abilities,” he said.

Awards

  • Champions: Mavula City Stars F.C.
  • Runners-up: Soccer Rose F.C.
  • Player of the Tournament: Mazibuko Sebenele (Mavula City Stars F.C.)
  • Best Midfielder: Andiswa Khumalo (Mavula City Stars F.C.)
  • Best Defender: Ginindza Nkhosenhle (Mavula City Stars F.C.)
  • Best Goalkeeper: Gumedze Tsapelo (Mavula City Stars F.C.)
  • Top Goal Scorer: Snakies Mukelo (Mavula City Stars F.C.)
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