Times Of Swaziland: E3M BOOST FOR PLE!

E3M BOOST FOR PLE!
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BY NTOKOZO MAGONGO on 05/10/2021 08:28:00


MBABANE – A huge relief!
The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) can heave a sigh of relief as the
organisation is expected to receive about E3 million from the Eswatini Football
Association (EFA) ahead of the new season. The PLE, which manages the MTN
Premier League, MTN National First Division and development leagues, is expected
to receive the financial assistance before end of the week as the MTN League is
set to kick-off this weekend. PLE received the same amount last year and they
expect an improved package this time around, especially because the COVID-19
pandemic is still in existence. A source close to the matter said the PLE would
commission the start of the leagues once they received financial assistance from
the football mother body.
struggling
About E2.2 million is for COVID-19 assistance while the rest goes to
administration, including the payment of match officials. PLE clubs have been
struggling financially as there is no revenue due to the absence of soccer fans
in the stadiums. The source said the money is expected to increase. PLE Chief
Operations Officer (COO) Pat Vilakati said this was an internal matter and the
better stakeholder to comment on this issue was the EFA. The source revealed
that PLE had submitted a budget of over E3 million to EFA before the start of
the season. “The numbers of teams in both leagues remain increased than the
normal numbers before COVID-19. PLE expects an increased package as the struggle
continues. The league will again start and be played without the fans who are
contributing big time through gate collections to the teams’ coffers,” said
the source.
The PLE would have struggled to finish the MTN League last season without the
financial assistance from EFA, especially in the payments of match officials’
allowances. EFA Marketing and Communications Manager Muzi Radebe said he could
not discuss the issue of financials, but all would be revealed during their
Annual General meeting (AGM).