BY THEMBA ZWANE
NHLANGANO – Home Affairs FC crowned champions after 3–0 final victory as the club sweeps all five individual awards in a memorable showcase of grassroots football.
Home Affairs FC delivered a dominant performance to claim the Build It EFA U13 Nhlangano Championship 2026, defeating Hlathikulu Masters FC 3–0 in the final at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium on Saturday, 19 September 2026.
The champions capped an outstanding tournament by sweeping all five individual awards, underlining their strength throughout the competition and highlighting the emerging talent within the Build It EFA U13 Football Development Programme.
Eight teams competed in the championship, divided into two groups. Group A featured Home Affairs FC, Mathendele Terrors FC, Hlathikulu FC and Vusweni Killers, while Group B comprised Mbangweni Academy, Makhwelela FC, All Nations FC and Qomintaba.
The final brought together two determined sides, but Home Affairs proved too strong on the day, securing a convincing 3–0 victory to lift the Nhlangano title.
Beyond the final result, the championship provided a platform for young players to showcase their abilities, gain competitive experience and develop through structured youth football. Parents and supporters turned out in numbers to encourage the participants, reinforcing the role of families and communities in nurturing young footballers.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, Build It representative Leo Mamba expressed appreciation for the support received in Nhlangano and highlighted the mutual benefits of the partnership for the community and the brand.
Mamba noted that players participating in the Build It U13 programme continue to benefit from structured competition, which empowers them with opportunities to develop their football skills.
Shiselweni Regional Football Association Chairman Mr Nkosinathi Kunene thanked parents for allowing their children to participate and commended Build It for its continued investment in youth football over the years.
He congratulated Home Affairs FC on their achievement and encouraged Hlathikhulu Masters FC to remain committed to training and listening to their coaches. Kunene also acknowledged the efforts of referees, medical personnel and tournament staff, while urging parents across Shiselweni to continue supporting the programme.
Home Affairs FC’s remarkable achievement was reflected in the individual awards, with Ayden Debruyne named Player of the Tournament, Nhlanhla Shandu taking Best Midfielder, Bayanda Ndwalane winning Best Defender, Asanda Ntshangase receiving Best Goalkeeper and Sihlelelwe Mabuza finishing as Top Goal Scorer.
The Eswatini Football Association extends its appreciation to Build It for its continued investment in grassroots football and congratulates Home Affairs FC on their championship triumph.
The Nhlangano championship once again demonstrated how sustained partnerships, community involvement and organised youth competitions can create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of Eswatini football talent.
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