PLE CHAIR THROWS CHALLENGE AT GOVT

DURBAN – Newly-elected Chairman of the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), Polycarp Dlamini, has delivered a poignant message to the government. 

Dlamini’s remarks came in the wake of the performances by Mbabane Swallows and Nsingizini Hotspurs during their respective Confederation of African Football (CAF) in inter-club competitions, this past weekend. The Chairman was present at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, alongside notable figures in football including Bongani Nzima, who is Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs. Others were Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane, Amazulu Chairman Sandile Zungu and Nsingizini’s boss Derrick Shiba, while witnessing Nsingizini’s match at Moses Mabhida Stadium. 

Swallows triumphed over Mozambique’s Ferroviário de Beira with a score of 1-0 on Friday at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, in the CAF Champions League. In contrast, Nsingizini suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Stellenbosch during the CAF Confederation Cup, a day later. “We were impressed with both teams’ performances despite Nsingizini’s loss. They both represented us admirably; congratulations are due to Swallows for their victory, and we wish them the best in the return leg,” he asserted. 

Commendable

Reflecting on Nsingizini’s performance, Dlamini remarked that despite the 3-0 setback, they showcased commendable skills. “It was merely a moment of lapse in concentration that led to them conceding soft goals. Overall, I believe they played well; however, it was evident that Stellenbosch were more experienced and better organised. Nsingizini lacked that composure, which ultimately led to their downfall,” he noted. On the issue of travelling fans attending home games in Durban and Pretoria, he stated: “While we commend those supporters who travelled to cheer on their teams, we urge government to expedite the rehabilitation of Somhlolo Stadium, so that our local teams can host at home.” 

He further advocated for government to cover expenses for home games played away from their home grounds. “The financial burden of teams playing their home games away is substantial, and it is imperative that government subsidises these expenses,” he added. Meanwhile, in response to concerns raised by members of parliament regarding the timeline for Somhlolo Stadium’s readiness to host CAF-standard games, Minister Nzima assured them that the venue would soon be prepared, although he refrained from providing specific timelines. He affirmed that the nation’s football mecca would be ready in the near future. Both Swallows and Nsingizini have incurred expenses exceeding E100 000 in preparation for their home games, with a substantial portion allocated to stadium rentals, travel expenditures and accommodation costs.

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