Times Of Swaziland: E2 MILLION GENERATOR INSTALLED AT SOMHLOLO

E2 MILLION GENERATOR INSTALLED AT SOMHLOLO
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Machawe Fakudze on 27/09/2024 08:25:00


MBABANE – There is light at the end of the tunnel.
This is the story of the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, which is
making visible strides to ensure Somhlolo National Stadium meets both the
International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) and Confederation of
African Football (CAF) requirements. The nation’s main arena was banned from
hosting FIFA and CAF category ‘A’ matches, back in 2019. The country was
left with the Mavuso Sports Centre, which was banned, a year later. This meant
that the national team Sihlangu and continental inter-clubs competitions envoys
had to seek alternative venues for home games.
Mbabane Swallows, who were representing the country in the 2024/25 TotalEnergies
CAF Champions League, played their home matches in South Africa at the Lucas
Moripe Stadium. Sihlangu, on the other hand, used the 2010 FIFA World Cup
stadium, which is at Mbombela in Nelspruit.
Minister Bongani Nzima, in an interview with Eswatini TV, revealed that they
were busy with the Phase Four of the rehabilitation programme.As per the budget
estimates document for this government’s fiscal year, the new-look Somhlolo
will have, among other features, a E10 million VVIP hospitality area and E9
million sewer and toilets. As per the breakdown, up to E3 million will be
channelled into a media room; E2 million for VIP gate; E3 million for giant
screen; and E2 million for backup generator. Government has further budgeted E1
million for a retractable tunnel. Up to E5 million is for professional fees and
contingencies.