S MINISTER, EFA APPEAR IN PARLY: MPS DEMAND SIHLANGU COACH, STADIUM

LOBAMBA – Members of Parliament (MPs) are concerned about the delay in the appointment of the national team coach and construction of a new stadium.

Sihlangu are still coach-less more than two months after the application deadline and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers get underway in less than a month’s time. The MPs made their remarks following a presentation by Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima. The minister was tabling the ministry’s first quarter performance report in Parliament, yesterday. 

First to speak was Mtfongwaneni MP Nathie ‘Mdockies’ Hlophe, who asserted that the ministry should prioritise building the new stadium. He questioned the timeline for the completion of Somhlolo National Stadium renovations. “Our beloved teams are still playing away from home; we seek clarity on when local teams will finally compete on home turf?” 
Mafutseni MP Sabelo Mtetwa also requested an update regarding the country’s soccer Mecca. “What is the purpose of renovating Somhlolo if, at the end of the day, FIFA declares it unfit for international standards?” he inquired. He lamented that the situation rendered the nation a source of ridicule, given that teams were compelled to host matches outside the country. 

“We continue to invest funds into Somhlolo, yet FIFA asserts that our stadium cannot accommodate international fixtures,” he stated. He suggested that government should negotiate with FIFA regarding funding for a new stadium, with the intention of repaying later. Mtetwa also raised concerns about which laws took precedence in relation to a recent incident involving Manzini Wanderers, who are in danger of being relegated after losing a protest against Denver Sundowns, a team that fielded a player without a work permit.

Weight

“Which law holds greater weight, national law or football regulations? This issue, stemming from Manzini Wanderers, is distressing. It is disheartening to witness such a club face relegation.”   Lamgabhi MP Sicelo Jele questioned the E35 million allocated for phase four of Somhlolo’s development. “The sports ministry or government should seek for a loan to construct a stadium with a 60 000 capacity. It seems illogical to compete outside our borders, when we take pride in our identity as a kingdom. Playing internationally diminishes our standing.” 
Worth mentioning is that government, through the office of the Prime Minister, has publicly conceded an urgent need for a stadium, with options being explored.
Ndzingeni MP Gcina Singalwi Magagula, on the other hand, advocated for bridging the gap between soccer and other sports. “There is an abundance of talent, and yet soccer appears to dominate, often overshadowing other sports like golf,” Magagula implored.

He also emphasised the necessity for a more equitable sports budget, highlighting Sibusiso ‘SwaziBolt’ Matsenjwa’s participation in the Olympics as evidence that other sports could excel. Chairman of the Sports Portfolio Committee Sifiso Shabalala, sought clarification on whether the E35 million would suffice to prepare Somhlolo for use. “Our team Eswatini had three representatives, while other nations fielded numerous athletes. What steps can the ministry take to ensure a larger delegation at future Olympic Games?” he queried. He also called for the urgent recruitment of the football national team coach, lamenting the absence of leadership, as Sihlangu prepares to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in early September. 

In response to the MPs’ concerns, Minister Nzima addressed the Somhlolo development timeline, stating that contractors would commence phase four today. “The delay in initiating phase four was due to funds not being disbursed, but the responsible company will use its own capital, and shortly, Somhlolo will be ready,” declared the minister.  Regarding oversight during Somhlolo’s refurbishment, Minister Nzima clarified that they collaborated with the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), which, in turn, received directives from CAF and FIFA.

“We had requested E55 million, but were allocated E35 million; however, we will ensure that Somhlolo meets the minimum FIFA standards,”  assured the minister. He also addressed the need for engagement with FIFA on stadium development. “We will endeavour to liaise with FIFA through the EFA, and if this proves feasible, we will pursue such options diligently,” he confirmed.  The minister is expected to provide written responses to all the questions.

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