Manzini Football Polls Heat Up as Mahlindza, Hall Lead Chairman Race

MANZINI – The race for control of football in the Manzini Region is taking shape, with the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Electoral Committee confirming the eligible nominees ahead of the Manzini Regional Football Association (MRFA) elections on 6 September 2026.

The confirmation follows the completion of the eligibility verification process in line with the EFA Statutes and the EFA Electoral Code of 2025, clearing the way for the election of a new MRFA Executive Committee.

The incoming committee will consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman and five Executive Committee Members, who will be responsible for overseeing the administration and development of football in the region.

The headline contest will be for the MRFA chairmanship, where Mancoba Mahlindza will face incumbent chairman Vusi Hall.

The vice-chairmanship race is equally competitive, with Themba Mavuso, Zwelethu Dladla and Mancoba Mahlindza all nominated for the position.

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The electorate will ultimately decide the outcome during the General Assembly.

The race for the five Executive Committee positions has attracted 12 nominees, underlining the level of interest in shaping the future of football administration in the region.

The nominees are:

1 Bongani “Mkhwanazi” Shiba

2 Innocent Dlamini

3 Mduduzi “Cosmo” Mtsetfwa

4 Bongani Mavimbela

5 Mduduzi Tsabedze

6 Velekhaya Mtsetfwa

7 Mancoba Mahlindza

8 Lusekwane Dlamini

9 Musa Dlamini

10 Fonono Dlamini

11 Sipho Mamba

12 Vusi Nxumalo

EFA Warns Against Electoral Misconduct

With the election campaign entering a crucial phase, the EFA Electoral Committee has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a transparent, credible and fair electoral process.

Candidates and other stakeholders have been reminded that bribery, corruption, vote solicitation and propaganda are prohibited under the applicable electoral regulations.

The committee has urged all participants to conduct themselves responsibly and uphold the principles of fair play, respect, good governance and integrity throughout the electoral process.

It also stressed that the interests of football should remain at the centre of the contest as stakeholders prepare to choose the region’s next leadership.

The elections are expected to play an important role in determining the direction of football administration and development in the Manzini Region.

The MRFA General Assembly and elections will be held on 6 September 2026, although the venue is yet to be announced.

The EFA has called on all stakeholders to embrace the process and work towards a peaceful, transparent and credible election capable of strengthening football governance and development in the region.