‘Weslians’ begin Premier League return journey

MBABANE – Relegated Manzini hub giants Wanderers begin their journey back to the MTN Premier League with a fixture against Viva Stumbo’s XI at Bhunya Stadium.

This is the first time the side suffers relegation having broken into the elite league over two decades ago.

‘Weslians’ kick off their MulaSport National First Division campaign against Viva Stumbo’s XI next weekend, before a daunting early reunion with Manzini Sundowns.

This is as per the draft schedule released by Premier League of Eswatini PLE Football Manager Banele Dings Masondo.

They have been handed an intriguing early twist with Malanti Chiefs awaiting them in week two, before meeting Sundowns in week five.

They host Lozitha Spurs in their third match before travelling to Mankayane United in week four.

The ‘Bafana Bemboyi’ fixture could immediately provide an indication of how Wanderers have adjusted to life outside the elite division.

Both clubs were relegated from the 2025/26 MTN Premier League, but their campaigns ended at different points on the table. Malanti Chiefs finished 14th with 30 points, while Wanderers occupied 16th place with just 11 points after winning two, drawing five and losing 23 of their 30 matches.

Their previous encounter saw Malanti cruise 2-0 having tied to a 1-all draw during the first round. Malanti will begin their quest by a visit to Sidwashini United.

The biggest talking point of Wanderers’ first five matches however could arrive in week five.

This is when they face Manzini Sundowns which will serve as arguably the NFD’s biggest derby, with both sides hailing from Eswatini’s busiest town Manzini.

The fixture carries added history following the dispute that surrounded Wanderers’ relegation from the MTN Premier League during the 2023/24 season.

They had argued that then Denver Sundowns player Jimoh Moses was ineligible to play their match that saw Weslians humiliated 5-0.

Wanderers challenged their relegation and subsequently did not play during the 2024/25 campaign, while the legal battle continued.

The High Court eventually ruled that the club should be reinstated to the Premier League.

That background is particularly significant because the two clubs will now meet in a different setting, with Wanderers attempting to establish themselves again in the National First Division.

Elsewhere, another relegated side Sisonkhe face Lozitha in their opening campaign.

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