Times Of Swaziland: MOTSEPE PLEDGES STADIUM

MOTSEPE PLEDGES STADIUM
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Ntokozo Magongo on 22/06/2021 08:38:00


MBABANE – Finally, there is hope that the country will have a FIFA-approved
stadium.
New Confederations of Africa Football (CAF) president Dr. Patrice Motsepe has
declared that in his term of office, he will ensure that in every CAF Member
Association there is a FIFA-approved stadium or in the case there is none, it
shall be built. The country is currently without any stadium to hosts
international matches after CAF banned the Somhlolo National Stadium and Mavuso
Stadium after declaring them unfit to host matches under their auspices. Motsepe
issued a statement on Sunday outlining the activities and governance and other
changes that the new CAF leadership was introducing since their election in
March 2021.
banned
Eswatini remains the only country in the Southern African Region Community
(SADC) without a proper stadium. The country almost hosted its Africa Cup of
Nations (AFCO) Qualifier match against Guinea Bissau outside the country as
Mavuso was banned from hosting international matches. The Eswatini Football
Association (EFA) made a passionate request to CAF Emergency Committee which
allowed the game to be hosted at the Mavuso Sports Centre. Motsepe said steps
are being taken to improve the efficiency and professionalism of CAF’s
Competitions and investment in African football infrastructure and ensuring that
in every CAF Member Association there is a FIFA-approved stadium built.
investment
He said they will also strengthen relationships with current and potential
sponsors and partners so that there is retained and employment of appropriately
qualified and skilled personnel investment in the youth and in the future of
African football. “Develop and grow women’s football, protect the integrity
and professionalising refereeing, introduce appropriately priced video assistant
referees (VAR). Since March 2021, several meetings were conducted in Africa and
globally to advance and promote the interest of CAF and its member associations
and also to build relationships and partnerships with current and potential
sponsors, African heads of State and their governments, private and public
corporations and other African and global stakeholders,” he said.