MBABANE – The last proposal of the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) was for the MTN Premier League to kick-off next weekend, September 16, 2023.
However, is this still the case or it will be from the PLE Trade Fair Cup to the MoMo Cup 2023, which must have its play-offs on September 23? Upon checking with the PLE, it was discovered that there was still a cloud of uncertainty regarding the league kick-off, which has already been postponed once. The initial kick-off date was the first weekend of September, but due to the national team and other national events like the annual Reed Dance and International Trade Fair as well as the 55/55 double celebration to mark the country’s independence and King’s Birthday.
“It was resolved in our last meeting with PLE that we start the league as soon as the Trade Fair Cup was over. The first weekend after the Trade Fair Cup is September 16 weekend, which can be used but we’ll get the final say from the PLE,” said a team official on condition of anonymity.
PLE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kenneth Makhanya said yesterday that his office was still in consultation and once there was a final decision, it will be conveyed to the relevant stakeholders in good time. “I’m yet to also check with the office of the Football Manager about our opening fixtures but we’ll inform the public about the league kick-off as soon as it’s decided,” he responded when questioned about the kick-off date and the grand opening fixtures.
There was no immediate comment from the PLE Football Manager, Pat Vilakati, as his cellphone rang in vain when he was sought.
