16/03/2026
The Matsapha Police Academy was buzzing with energy this past Saturday, March 14, 2026, as the NFD League delivered another thrilling round of volleyball action. Sponsored by Sandza Construction, the weekend showcased a masterclass in athleticism, strategy, and pure grit.
From dominant sweeps to nail-biting five-set marathons, the atmosphere was electric. As we reflect on the performance of these teams, one thing is clear: the talent pool in the league is deeper than ever.
Results at a Glance
The scoreboard told a story of both redemption and dominance. Below are the rwsults of how the matches unfolded.
Weekend Highlights
The Powerhouses: Villa Park and Zakhele emerged as the weekend's biggest winners, both securing two victories. Zakhele, in particular, showed incredible mental toughness by surviving a grueling 3-2 battle against Mshinande.
The Comebacks: After a tough loss to Zakhele, Mshinande bounced back quickly with a decisive 3-0 sweep over Sithobela, proving they have the stamina to compete at the highest level.
The Fire Fight: While Ecowater struggled this weekend, the Fire Flames managed to ignite their momentum with a 3-1 victory, keeping their standing in the league competitive.
A Call for Continued Support
These games are more than just scores on a sheet; they represent the hard work of our children, friends, and relatives. The NFD League continues to be a vital platform for local talent, and the hope remains that the Executive Office will continue to foster this growth with more frequent fixtures.
"Support is very key." Whether you are a die-hard fan or a first-time spectator, your presence in the stands makes a world of difference to the players on the court.
As we look forward to the next round of matches, we encourage everyone to keep showing up and witnessing the excellence our community has to offer. Unless we are very much mistaken, the race for the top spot is only going to get more intense from here!
12/03/2026
Beyond the Court: A Vision of Resilience and Community in Eswatini Volleyball as we had an opportunity to converse with Zakhele Volleyball Team
By Khabako McReed
In the vibrant landscape of Eswatini sports, few narratives are as compelling as those built on pure passion and collective sacrifice. Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with one of the community’s most dedicated clubs to discuss their journey, their challenges, and a bold vision that extends far beyond winning sets.
Fuelled by Passion, Funded by Commitment
Staying active in the competitive sports world is no small feat, especially when the journey is self-funded. For this club, the engine behind their longevity is a mix of visionary leadership and "pocket-funding" from its own members.
"Our sustainability has largely been driven by the commitment and passion of our Chairman," the club noted. Through a combination of financial contributions, volunteering, and logistical support, the team has turned limited resources into a competitive edge. It is a "collective spirit" that keeps the lights on and the balls in the air.
Building a Deep Bench for the Future
Succession planning is a core value here. Rather than focusing only on a starting six, the club maintains a wide training pool to ensure continuity. As players naturally transition to school or work, a fresh crop of talent is always ready to step up. This approach isn't just about winning—it’s about empowering women in sports and providing a platform for growth, a cornerstone of the Chairman’s long-term vision.
Navigating the Dynamics of the Sport
Addressing recent discussions regarding player transfers—specifically the move of Zenamile (Zena) to Ecowater—the club maintained a professional and graceful stance.
"Player movement is a normal part of sports. While Zena was an important player for us, we respect her decision. Our relationship with other teams remains centered on healthy competition and the growth of volleyball in Eswatini."
Similarly, the recent changes in the ladies' technical bench are viewed as a "strategic refresh" to sharpen tactical discipline and improve performance as the team evolves.
The Climb to the Elite Division
For the male team currently in the B-division, the message is clear: patience meets ambition. While the club has prioritized building a strong foundation over rushing for promotion, the new technical team has set their sights firmly on the Elite Division by the end of this season. As the club puts it: "The court shall be our judge."
Lessons from Lesotho and the Road Ahead
The 2025 Lesotho tournament served as a vital, if challenging, learning experience. Confronted with limited preparation time and international pressure, the club is now pivoting toward:
Strengthening tactical awareness.
Increasing match exposure.
Preparing for high-stakes environments like the VA Cup, which they view as a critical "automatic qualification ticket" for regional glory.
The 2028 Vision: A Legacy of Leadership
Where will the club be in three years? The roadmap is ambitious. By 2028, the goal is to stand as a self-sustaining force and a trailblazer of volleyball culture.
The ultimate objective isn't just to produce athletes, but to foster an educated, disciplined group of individuals who will serve as the future leaders of Eswatini. With a focus on sustainable partnerships and regional participation, the club is well on its way to making this vision an attainable reality.
Join the Journey
The club remains a community-first organization. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner with a heart for the game, their doors are open. Prospective players are encouraged to reach out via social media or visit a training session to become part of this growing family.
As we continue to highlight the heartbeat of Eswatini Volleyball, stories like this remind us that with a shared vision, the sky—and the top of the net—is the limit.
11/03/2026
The Volleyball Ecosystem: 4 Essential Player Types Every Coach Should Expect
By Khabako McReed
Most young and inexperienced coaches dream of a roster overflowing with extraordinary athletes—superstars who play beyond expectations and practically gift-wrap gold medals. However, the seasoned coach knows a different truth: no matter how elite your squad is, you will always have a spectrum of abilities and temperaments.
Inexperience sees "gaps," but experience sees a dynamic camp. Your job as a coach isn't to wait for a team of clones; it’s to make the best out of the personalities you actually have. Here are the four foundational players you will find in your camp.
1. The Perfectionist
There is always that one player who ticks every single box. This is the athlete who does everything the "right" way, focusing on the minute details you might not even notice.
The X-Factor: Beyond being an ace performer, they take on a quiet responsibility for their teammates. They often understand the social dynamics of the locker room better than the coaching staff.
On the Court: They transform into a "beast." When the game is on the line, the Perfectionist delivers the performance that secures the win.
2. The Driver
Every camp needs a catalyst. The Driver is the player who pushes the team to better heights, often acting as your proxy. They are the first to start warm-ups and the ones leading physical conditioning before you even whistle the start of practice.
The Challenge: Paradoxically, the Driver may not be the most "gifted" player on the court. They might struggle during high-magnitude game moments, but their preparation is flawless.
The Coach’s Lesson: An immature coach might see their lack of playing "flair" and consider them a liability. An experienced coach recognizes them as the engine that gives the talented players the hope and structure they need to succeed.
3. The Average Player
These are the "steady hands" of the team. They maintain a consistent standard from the first day of training to the final whistle of a tournament.
The Growth Pattern: They are hardly noticeable because they aren't in a loud competition with anyone else. They reliably provide a 50% performance level.
The Level-Up: They don't drift backward. If an Average Player hits a 60% performance margin during a tournament, you can celebrate
—they have officially leveled up, and that is their new permanent baseline.
4. The Least Performer
This player won’t outplay your stars, yet they somehow always find themselves in your top selection. Their improvement is slow—sometimes frustratingly so
—no matter how much you push them.
The Value: While they lack speed in skill acquisition, they make up for it in reliability.
* The Anchor: They are never difficult to work with and are always there for the team on any given day. When you need someone you can trust to show up and give their all, this is the player you call on.
Looking Ahead: Should we also talk about the Bully Players? Those who can win games but tear down team chemistry if not monitored? They are a unique challenge that requires a specific coaching touch.We will dive into the characters of the "Bullies" and other player types another day. Stay tuned.
09/03/2026
Mlingani wetfu Volleyball Galore Eswatini do you think this can be done focusing at the best interest of avolleyball. Looking foward to hearing from you
08/03/2026
The Sting of Silence: Scorpions Volleyball Club Remains Mute Amidst Growing Fan Curiosity.
By: Khabako McReed
MBABANE – In the high-octane world of Eswatini volleyball, where the thunderous spikes of the Scorpions Volleyball Club have become a staple of local dominance, a different kind of sound is currently echoing: silence.
The Eswatini Volleyball News Desk recently reached out to the Scorpions management with a comprehensive set of questions aimed at shedding light on the club’s meteoric rise, its recruitment strategies, and the future of its star-studded roster. However, despite the club’s reputation for clinical precision on the court, they have opted for a defensive stance off it, leaving the volleyball community and their burgeoning fan base without answers.
The Mystery of the "Scorpion Sting"
Since their inception, the Scorpions have transitioned from an unknown entity to a perennial powerhouse, frequently rattling the "Big Three"—Correctional Sunrise, REPS, and Zakhele.
The News Desk sought to uncover the "how" and "why" behind their formation. What motivated the birth of this club? Was it a strategic breakaway or a grassroots movement? By remaining silent, the club leaves the narrative of its origin to be written by speculators rather than its founders.
Recruitment or Homegrown?
One of the most burning questions involves the club's roster. The Scorpions boast a lineup that rivals any in the SADC region, having recently pushed Lesotho’s Red Skins to their absolute limits. We asked:
• How many players were recruited from existing teams?
• What is the secret behind their "amazing talent" synergy?
• Is there a youth development pipeline to sustain this competitiveness?
Without a response, the "poaching" rumors that often dog successful new clubs remain unaddressed, and the fans are left wondering if the Scorpions are a "golden generation" flash-in-the-pan or a sustainable institution.
The "Afi" Factor and the Coaching Conundrum
Perhaps most disappointing for the fans is the lack of comment regarding individual icons and leadership. Nonophile "Afi" Dlamini, a legend who has dominated from Mjingo High School to UNESWA and Correctional as well as Bob Ladies, is now a cornerstone of the Scorpions. Is the club building a successor for the "Afi" era?
Furthermore, the club’s tactical brilliance is currently steered by a head coach who is a police officer by profession. With the Royal Eswatini Police Services (REPS) being a direct rival, the News Desk inquired about the potential conflict of interest or the risk of the coach being recalled—a move that recently crippled Zakhele’s management.
"When history repeats itself, what is the backup plan?"
This remains the million-emalangeni question that the Scorpions management has yet to answer.
A Missed Opportunity for Advocacy
The News Desk offered the Scorpions a platform to address the Eswatini National Volleyball Association (ENVA) and appeal to potential sponsors. In an era where the sport is desperate for corporate backing and administrative reform, the club’s refusal to speak is a missed opportunity to advocate for the advancement of the sport.
The Road Ahead
The VA Cup serves as the prestigious gateway to the Zone VI Senior Club Championships. As the Scorpions prepare for these "grand finales," the fans deserve to know what the team promises them.
The Eswatini Volleyball News Desk remains open to a response. We believe that transparency only strengthens the bond between a club and its supporters. Until then, the Scorpions remain a formidable, yet enigmatic, force in the sand and on the court.
Unless I'm Very much mistaken
05/03/2026
Silence from the NEC: Eswatini Volleyball Association Fails to Address Critical Concerns
The silence is becoming louder than a championship-winning spike. As the volleyball community in Eswatini looks toward a new season, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the long coming VA Cup and the integrity of international qualification yet history has made it factual that the early bird catches the worm.
The Eswatini Volleyball News Desk, acting as a voice for concerned athletes and fans, recently reached out to the Eswatini National Volleyball Association (NVA) Executive with five critical questions. These questions weren’t just "checking in"—they were aimed at the very heart of the sport’s professionalization. To date, the ENVA has offered no response, leaving the community to wonder if the Association is out of rotation when it comes to transparency. Keep it in mind that the community has always complained about the association lacking a lot of transparency and accountability allegedly.
1. The "Paper Tiger" Problem
The most pressing issue raised is the perceived loss of prestige for the VA Cup. For years, the tournament was the gold standard—the only way to earn a spot in the Zone VI Senior Club Championships. However, a "pay-to-play" culture has allegedly taken root. When teams are selected for regional tournaments based on financial muscle rather than competitive merit, the VA Cup becomes a "paper tiger." If the trophy doesn't guarantee the trip, and a thick wallet does, what are the players actually fighting for? Pride or status? This can be better answered from the angle of the top office especially from the office of the Vice President which champions all competitions.
2. Diversification and Support: Where is the Plan?
The News Desk also highlighted the rise of high-magnitude events like the Mulasport Series. In a modern sporting landscape, relying on a single tournament to identify the "best of the best" seems outdated. Furthermore, the question of tangible benefits remains unanswered. Winning a local cup is a feat of athleticism, but transitioning to the Zone VI stage requires more than just a trophy. The community is asking:
• Does the ENVA provide administrative or financial "boosts" for champions?
• Is there a strategy to reward excellence over bank balances?
3. The Risk of Apathy
The danger of the ENVA’s silence isn't just a lack of information—it’s the death of motivation. If teams believe that regional participation is purely a matter of "who can afford it," the incentive to fight "tooth and nail" for domestic titles evaporates. Without a clear policy on non-qualifying team participation, the integrity of local qualifying structures is at risk. If a team can simply "buy" their way into Zone VI after failing to qualify at home, the ENVA is effectively telling its athletes that their performance on the court is secondary to their sponsorship deals.
4. A Call for Dialogue
Transparency isn't just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of trust between an association and its affiliates. The Eswatini Volleyball News Desk remains committed to facilitating this dialogue in terms of midwifing and airing these critical concerns, but the ball is now firmly in the ENVA’s court.
For the sake of the sport, the athletes, and the fans who fill the stands, it is time for the Executive to step up to the service line and provide the clarity the community deserves.
03/03/2026
Ecowater VC: The Silent Giants of Eswatini Volleyball?
By McReed the Founding Editor of Eswatini Volleyball
In the fast-paced world of Eswatini volleyball, few names have generated as much "noise" recently as Ecowater especially within the women category. Since their arrival on the scene, the team has been a whirlwind of headlines on all official and unofficial corridors of discussion due to their their impressive eye-catching presence with a sense of superiority. We can all recall their encounter and finishin their recent high-octane encounter with Zakhele.
However, behind the on-court success and the catchy slogan that everyone is talking about, a cloud of unanswered questions remains. Eswatini Volleyball reached out to Ecowater’s leadership, specifically Mr. Thwala, to provide clarity on several pressing issues. To date, these questions remain unanswered. They have opted to remain silent while they put their house in order hence we could not deny our followers and readers the article they deserve based on the team's silence.
The "Provisional" Puzzle
One of the biggest talking points in the corridors of the nation and all affiliates including volleyball lovers and followers is their current status in membershipto the volleyball association of Eswatini. While the team is competing, they currently hold provisional membership, pending a final vote at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Other affiliates have raised eyebrows regarding this status. Is Ecowater a permanent fixture, or is their presence still on thin ice? Without a formal response from the club, the volleyball community is left to speculate on whether the AGM will welcome them with open arms or if skepticism will prevail. There are a lot of factors contributing to that including that they have secured membership of players from other would be competitors thus bringing them as another force to reckon with and not to be taken lightly. It is an initiative which some of us volleyballers appreciate as it strengthens competition amongst teams.
Roster Controversies: Groomed or "Borrowed"?
Success often breeds scrutiny, and for Ecowater, that scrutiny centers on their player list. Rumors have been circulating among rival teams claiming that Ecowater’s "ready-made" success was built by poaching talent from established clubs.
Specific names like Mdola, Lenda, and Zena have been mentioned in these debates. We asked Mr. Thwala to clarify if these these players properly registered during the initial application? We even went on to ask of the club has a strategy to groom youth or to acquire "finished products"? However Mr. Thwala opted not to comment at all for the aforementioned reason such as putting their house in order. Silence on these matters only fuels the fire for those claiming the team's composition wasn't entirely "by the book."
The Zakhele Incident: Seeing Red
More recently, the team’s discipline has come under fire. During their match on February 21, 2026, against Zakhele, both the Head Coach and the Assistant Coach received red cards simultaneously. This is an issue that will keep on surfacing whenever the status of the team is put u Der scrutinity despite the fact that it has been dealt with before. It goes down to the books of history. Such a dual ejection is rare and suggests a significant breakdown in communication or conduct.
What actually transpired on the sidelines? As a new team "making waves," the image they project is vital for the sport's growth. Without the club’s side of the story, the red cards stand as a silent indictment of their bench decorum.
"The Landing" and Beyond
Finally, there is the slogan. It is undeniably eye-catching and has driven a clear statement: Ecowater has landed. But what does "landing" truly mean for the future of the sport in Eswatini? Is it a long-term investment in the league, or a short-term splash? We must make mention of the fact that our news desk is in full support of the supposed meaning of the slogan as it stamps an authoritative purpose and presence. As a forum dedicated to the growth of the game, Eswatini Volleyball remains open to hearing from Mr. Thwala and the Ecowater management. The fans deserve to know the vision behind the brand, the truth behind the transfers, and the plans for a team that—for better or worse—is changing the face of the league and other local competitions.
Unless im very much mistaken
_____
Eswatini Volleyball
22/02/2026
Provisional Membership and Chaotic encounters
Afyer being granted provisional membership to being affiliates of the Eswatini National Volleyball Association in a very short space of time, ECCO Water has shown the public a very strange and shocking face when the head coach and his assistant were shown red cards during the team's encounter with Zakhele Volleyball Team ladies yesterday during their first ever clash hosted at Matsapha Police Academy.
The general feeling of the spectators and other volleyball fanatics was that it was too early for ECCO Water to display such an unbecoming behavior more especially when they are membership is still on probation in the national association. One raised a question that what would you have done if positions were reversed? The truth and the fact of the matter is that there is a certain code of conduct that needs to be upheld in every sport in which during the match such is managed by the referees to ensure smooth and fair competition in accordance with FIVB Rules of the Game however we are not there today.
The main issue here is that how does ECCO Water expect the affiliates to approve their membership during the AGM when their appearance is now clouded by such behavior causing both the head coach and his assistant to be red carded simultaneously? Reflecting back to a case whereby Correctional sunrise volleyball club ladies head coach Mbuso Vilakati was suspended by the Management Committee (MC) of the National Executive Committee (NEC), even though the assumed powers it was not suppose to but it became clear that the volleyball association is not just a paper tiger and thats what these two coaches should have thought of before finding themselves in that difficult position of having to abandon the team during such a match and such a time of their membership as a whole. We are yet to see the action that both the MC and the NEC will take following the behavior of the two coaches. Having said that one big question that remains is that with that kind of behavior what of their membership which by now is still provisional or rather temporal pending acceptance or disapproval by the AGM.
With that incident being said, perhaps we should take this opportunity and commend the effort put in by our volleyball referees at a national and international level as well. It is worth mentioning that there has never been a pool of good referees like those that we have currently in the association. These match commanders are clear with the rule book.and confident in what they do and say. They are not shaken and neither are they intimidated. Those are qualities of a person that is clear with his craft. In the past the incident that got the two coaches red carded would have taken another turn however this time around our referees are on to the task one hundred percent. There are actions in every sport that are considered to be at zero tolerance and we are still looking forward to obtaining an official report of what really transpired.
Ladies and gentlemen, the fate of ECCO Water permanent seat as full affiliates still remains at the mercy of the other affiliates if they will adopt the new kid on the block or what. From our news desk we are positive that everyone deserves a chance and there is no individual that is perfect. The ball is in your court.
21/02/2026
Thank you ECCO Water and Zakhele
Before the start of the match we heard people saying that they are not going anywhere they want to witness these two go head to head. It was like they met before yet one was making one of her first encounters. This match was filled with tension before it began and only God knows where it came from.
The first set was tightly contested as Zakhele manage to break away with a difference of two points to claim it. From that set it was of no doubt that these teams were ready to tear each other apart just for the love of the game and for a taste of well deserved victory. Remember thay the water services side just joined the affiliates of the national federation and they have been given provisional membership before being permanently accepted in the AGM if they will be and they have already displayed powers that are seem to be a new force to reckon with.
To put the fear of of God if one may say, Zakhele Ladies only needed to win the second set and win it at a great margin but ECCO Water rose to the challenged and decided otherwise by wrapping it home making the set score 1 - 1. The mission was clear, arrive and dominate to claim a certain sport. Zakhele could not match their opponents even though they were pushing hard to take rhe set but the lead that ECCO Water maintained made it difficult for the oppossition to overpower them hence at the end of this rather one sided match the game was at a stalemate of 1 - 1 as we have said.
The difference between these two teams is that Zakhele as a long existing team has a lot of new blood which we witnessed making rounds here and there to keep up with the competition yet on the other side, the new kid on the block, the entire team is not built on new players but built on a lot of experienced players from the other teams which is a story of another day. It then became a matter of maturity and tactical discipline between these two sides thus placing the water services team at the top dominating the 3rd set puting them at an advantage of only needing one more set to claim the entire win. The game was now running at a 2 - 1 set s ore in favor of ECCO Water. Things then moved to the controversial 4th set.
Before we dive into the 4th set, we must make it clear that both Takhona known as TK from Zakhele proved that in as much she is a new player that has just come out of development but there was a beast mode thay surfaced today when she blocked and attacked with full power and rage to give her team an advantage. She was not alone as she was well and fully complemented by Philile known as Sgu who made sure that she kept on being a thorn to the opposition. She was blocking and attacking with precision. These two were not alone in the court because from the opposition there came Lender and Mdola who blended and complemented each other so positively to make an early lead for their team. Lender was not a player with Zakhele could afford to ignore just as much as Mdola was making sure that on every attack hit her presence was felt. It was really a tight contest with both blocks and attacks seeming to be well coordinated from the doubles of these teams and ofcourse without ignoring their settas who made most of the crucial settings.
During the 4th set we honestly do not know what went wrong with ECCO Water technical bench because the headcoach was expelled in the middle of the set. We are still to find out what really went wrong since we were far from the action. It was without a doubt that such an action will have an impact on the performance of the team. When the assistant coach took over, before any rally could be played he was also red carded. It pointed to a lot of misconduct by the two coach from ECCO Water thus giving Zakhele an advantage of playing a frustrated opposition. Like any other team and coach would do, Zakhele capitalized and took the 4th set making the entire set score to be 2 - 2. Back to a stalemate. We will dive deeply into these red cards on a separate topic altogether.
Now the senior set. It goes to 15 and honestly not every competing team is good and well.prepared for this set. One huge disadvantage about this set is that as it is soon over just as it began thus making a lead very very important. These two teams were fighting to obtain a lead against each other but Zakhele Ladies managed to stamp their authority by securing their lead and forcing the switch of courts at the 8th point. As soon as sides were switched dominance and ruthless aggression was displayed from well organized court coverage by team Zakhele finally winning the match. It was a marvel to watch these two sides go head to head and we hope to see that a lot from other teams as well.
Once again thank you to both teams for making us watch volleyball and new thrill all together. Don't forget to like, follow and share our posts as that makes us grow.
21/02/2026
A rather one sided second set
From the 4th point of the second set it seemed to be so much one sided as ECCO Water.switched from playing wide to stamp their dominance in the center with quick balls landing one after the other. Zakhele seemed to be having lots of weaknesses in stopping central attacks from the opposition. Apart from that there was a distorted reception from Zakhele Ladies which broke their momentum thus resulting in pulling the set so hard. Two women posing as pillars of hope for both teams, ECCO Water making the most through Mdola while Zakhele closing gaps and making the most through Sgu. The battle continues as the third set is about to commence.
Set score 1-1
21/02/2026
Breath taking moment Between Zakhele Ladies and ECCO Water
From the onset both teams were seen testing each other and.cautious not to make too many mistakes as if they have.met before such that the set was decided on a.difgerence of two points. The new.team from.water services seems to be here to make a statement. The current set score is 1-0 in favour of Zakhele Ladies. The 2nd set is underway
