MBABANE, Eswatini (Interstat) — Moneni Pirates will host Tabankulu Celtics FC on Friday, May 1, in a Premier League matchup that pits one of the league’s hottest teams against a visiting side desperate to reverse a persistent slide.

Moneni Pirates enter the contest unbeaten in their last five league outings. The home side has shown resilience, posting three wins and two draws since a narrow loss to Manzini Sea Birds on Mar. 13. Their most recent result, a 1-1 draw at Green Mamba on Apr. 22, extended a stretch that includes victories over Sisonkhe FC, Manzini Wanderers and Young Buffaloes.

Tabankulu Celtics FC, meanwhile, arrive in Mbabane carrying a record of just one win in their last 10 matches. The Celtics fell 2-1 at home to Malanti Chiefs on Apr. 22, their third loss in four games. That lone bright spot came Apr. 18, a 3-0 shutout of Manzini Wanderers. Prior to that, the visitors endured a run of four matches without a goal, including scoreless draws against Ubombo Sugar and Rangers FC.

The teams last met Dec. 10, 2025, when Tabankulu Celtics FC claimed a 2-1 victory at home.

Moneni Pirates have been particularly difficult to beat at home, where they have not lost in league play since that Mar. 13 defeat. Their attack has been steady, scoring in eight of their past nine matches. The defense has been stingy, conceding multiple goals only once during that span.

Tabankulu Celtics FC have struggled for consistency. Over the past two months, they have scored more than one goal in a match only once. Their attack has been held scoreless in seven of their last 11 contests, a trend that will need to change against a Pirates side that has allowed just four goals in its last six home matches.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 1-1 draw.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time.