BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Eswatini TV and the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) have sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see 10 MTN Premier League Y’ello Sunday derby matches broadcast live on Eswatini TV until the end of the current season, bringing top-flight football closer to EmaSwati.
The agreement, signed on Friday, January 9, 2026, also carries an option to renew next season, reflecting a shared commitment by the two institutions to grow and promote local football through consistent television coverage.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Eswatini TV Chief Executive Officer Mlamuli Dlamini said the partnership will allow viewers across the country to witness football of world-class standard, showcased by local talent. He announced that the live broadcasts will kick off with the much-anticipated Mbabane Derby between Mbabane Swallows and Mbabane Highlanders, scheduled for Sunday at 3pm at Mavuso Sports Centre.
Mlamuli Dlamini said the deal is expected to attract millions of viewers, giving football fans nationwide access to premium local football. He added that the broadcasts will also play a critical role in talent identification, allowing scouts, agents, and football stakeholders both locally and internationally to monitor players early in their careers.
The CEO noted that reaching the agreement took considerable time, but described the outcome as worthwhile. He pointed out that the Mbabane Derby, one of the biggest fixtures in Eswatini football, has rarely been televised. A similar deal collapsed at the last hour on April 27, 2025, making this agreement a significant milestone for local football.
He said regular broadcasting will give local players the exposure needed to build strong profiles, drawing parallels with how global football stars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo became household names through televised matches.
PLE Chairperson Polycarp Dlamini welcomed the partnership, saying football must be broadcast to ensure players are exposed and the league continues to grow. He expressed appreciation to Eswatini TV for what he described as a landmark agreement, adding that increased visibility will also benefit league sponsors through broader marketing reach.
Meanwhile, Pat Vilakati revealed that flexibility has been built into the agreement to allow adjustments where necessary, particularly towards the end of the season. He explained that high-stakes matches, such as decisive title races involving teams like Ezulwini United and Taban’kulu Celtics, may be prioritised for live broadcast to ensure fans do not miss crucial moments in the league.
#EswatiniTV #PLE #MTNPremierLeague #YelloSunday #MbabaneDerby #LocalFootball
