Times Of Swaziland: IT’S TIME FOR SPORTS INDABA – CARMICHAEL

IT’S TIME FOR SPORTS INDABA – CARMICHAEL
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Machawe Fakudze on 01/11/2024 11:58:00


MBABANE – “It is time for unity.”
These powerful words from former Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Mark
Carmichael highlight the urgent need for collaboration in local football.
Speaking on the ongoing relegation saga involving three major teams, Carmichael
urged all parties to set aside personal interests and work towards an amicable
resolution.
Contentious
The chairman of Denver Sundowns addressed the contentious issue between his team
and Wanderers, which arose after the ‘Weslians’ protested against Jimoh
Moses, claiming he lacked a valid work permit during a crucial relegation match
on May 19, 2024, at Somhlolo National Stadium. “We are killing what we are
trying to improve as football people,” Carmichael lamented. He also shed light
on the financial struggles plaguing local clubs, emphasising that many rely
heavily on individual benefactors. “The sport needs collective efforts;
relying on individuals will jeopardise the future of football in our country,”
he stated. Carmichael believes that Eswatini football is far from achieving
professional status, and the solution lies in convening a sports indaba.
“We must call for a sports indaba to chart a sustainable path for our teams
and attain professionalism,” he asserted. When asked about the outcomes of
last year’s sports indaba, he expressed disappointment, noting that
discussions failed to translate into actionable measures. For future discussions
to yield positive results, he insists that all relevant stakeholders—including
local companies, the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), PLE executive
committees, supporters and sports journalists—must be invited. Echoing
Carmichael’s sentiments, Sundowns Elder Tum du Pont stressed the urgency of
addressing the financial challenges faced by clubs. “The country needs a
soccer indaba immediately to determine a way forward; it is unhealthy for clubs
to struggle financially,” Du Pont remarked.
The call for unity and collaboration in Eswatini football has never been more
critical.