By Mbongeni Vilakati
MBABANE – The National First Division (NFD) fourth spot is up for grabs as the All Nations and Nkomonye Cosmos will battle for the championship glory during the second leg of Shiselweni Regional Football Association (SRFA) play-offs.
The play-offs will take place at King Sobhuza II Stadium in Nhlangano this coming Saturday (July 13, 2024).
The stakes are high in the Eclipse’s E150 000 sponsored league, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for the championship glory. Former NFD team, All Nations will be hoping to bounce back to the country’s second biggest league for the third time in their history. This comes after they were able to win by a score of 1-0 against Cosmos in the first leg match that was played on Saturday (July 6, 2024) at the same venue.
Nkomonye Cosmos FC emerged champions of the SRFA Northern Zone Super League champions, ahead of Nkwene Sundowns. Meanwhile, All Nations scooped the Southern Zone Super League championship, leading the pack with 10 points, ahead of Nyamane Classic.
In recent regional football development, Amawele emerged victorious in the Hhohho Super League, narrowly defeating Northern Zone Champions Zibonele Vulture with a 1-0 aggregate score over two legs to secure their spot in the NFD. Masundvwini Royal Swallows celebrated their automatic promotion to NFD after securing the top spot in the Manzini Super League.
In the Lubombo region, Magwanyana FC’s celebrations in the Swazi Trac Lubombo Super League were cut short, after Usuthu Liverpool lodged at complain about the replay match against fellow title, which they eventually lost. Therefore, the case against the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) is going to be decided in court on Wednesday (July 17, 2024).
According to Article 7.3 of the 2023/24 PLE Rules and Regulation, the four regional football league champions will be promoted to the National First Division. Having finished first in their respective regional football leagues, Amawele and Masundvwini Royal Swallows have already secured their NFD status.