BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE– Municipal Council of Mbabane Chief Executive Officer Gciniwe Fakudze has reiterated her call for the iconic Mbabane Derby to be brought back to the capital, saying the fixture is central to the city’s football identity, social cohesion and economic vitality.
Speaking during an interview with JTM Media on January 12, 2026, Gciniwe Fakudze said hosting the derby in Mbabane would restore pride in the city’s football heritage, stimulate local business activity and strengthen community bonds through sport.
“The Mbabane Derby belongs in Mbabane. It is part of the city’s identity and culture. Bringing it back home would not only revive that pride but also create economic opportunities for local traders and businesses,” she said.
The CEO acknowledged the challenges posed by limited flat land in Mbabane but stressed that viable options exist if stakeholders work together.
“Even though it is difficult to find flat land in Mbabane, we believe something can be done. Facilities such as Prince of Wales present an opportunity and could be developed to meet world-class standards with the right investment and partnerships,” she said, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to engaging relevant stakeholders.
Her comments follow Sunday’s Mbabane Derby, which was staged at Mavuso Sports Centre and drew thousands of EmaSwati, including Fakudze and His Royal Highness Prince Majaha.
The strong turnout once again highlighted the enduring appeal of the derby and its potential to drive economic activity. Gciniwe Fakudze noted that Council leadership travelled from Mbabane to attend a match that, she said, could have been hosted in the capital had adequate stadium infrastructure been available.
She said developing facilities such as Prince of Wales would allow Mbabane to host major fixtures, retain match-day revenue and create opportunities for vendors, transport operators and small businesses within the city.
On the field, Mbabane Swallows claimed bragging rights after edging Mbabane Highlanders 1–0 in a tightly contested encounter.
Swallows broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when Mancoba Vilakati capitalised on a rebound to score the decisive goal in a high-intensity match played on a slippery surface.
The match-day experience was further enhanced by a halftime performance from local music sensation Young Zesh, who entertained supporters with his hit songs, including his newly released track “MaswaiSwai Sinitsandza Nonkhe.”
The latest edition of the Mbabane Derby once again underlined the fixture’s cultural, sporting and economic importance, reinforcing calls for the historic rivalry to one day return to its rightful home in the capital city.
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(Courtesy Pic)
