WHY IS SHISELWENI REGION LAGGING BEHIND IN FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT?

Sir,

It is an undisputed fact that the lack of adequate development structures is one of the prime factors that has afflicted our progress in football, much to the disappointment of the throngs of football people who sacrifice their time and resources just to bring life to the noble sport. Avid readers of this esteemed publication will recall that it was on this very same page that I wrote, unpacking all the challenges faced by our football authorities in their endeavour to improve the standard of football in this country. A lot has already been highlighted and thus the onus is now on every football-loving Swazi to take the standard of the sport to greater heights.

Today my focus will be on the Shiselweni region which has, undoubtedly, been struggling to make progress in terms of development; evidenced by the fact that there is no Premier League team from the region. History has it that the last team from the region to campaign in the Premier League was Gege Happy Stars, who not only earned one point the whole season but were mercilessly annihilated in almost every game. And guess what? They played only one season in the Premier League before disappearing into oblivion,  following the same route taken by the likes of the Hlatikhulu Tycoons, Nhlangano Black Terrors and Lavumisa FC, to name only a few of the teams who had a short stint in the elite league but were not successful.

It is now high time we do an introspection to ascertain the real problems affecting progress in the region. What is it that we are not doing right that has seen the region lagging behind in developing the game? Do we really have adequate resources that are conducive enough to improve the sport? Do we have quality talent that has the potential of taking the standard to another level? These are but some of the questions that must be taken into consideration in our quest to change the fortunes in the region. According to my own research and analysis, the region boasts of tremendous talent, some of whom have made their name in the elite league after being recruited from their teams by the so-called ‘big teams’.

This aspect has to be given utmost attention because it is obvious that most of the players are lured by certain irresistible offers, much to the detriment of their original teams. It must be understood that I am not implying that the migrating of players for greener pastures is absurd but I’m of the view that these are some of the factors which have been a let-down. And, of course, this has been further compounded by the lack of development resources like conducive playing grounds and enough sponsors. As a football person, I’m quite aware of all the challenges of running a football team.

Without sufficient financial muscle running a team remains an arduous task. Many great teams have disappeared into oblivion as a result of a lack of financial resources. As we wait with bated breath for the National Sports Indaba, we sincerely hope that the ideas will be effectively implemented and struggling regions like the Shiselweni will be the primary beneficiaries.

Comfort Jele, Hawane

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