PLE TABLES OVER E18.9M BUDGET

MBABANE – The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) budget for the upcoming season is expected to increase by at least E2 million, as compared to the previous season.

This is reflected in the organisation’s adopted budget, which was adopted on Friday during the Special Ordinary General Assembly (AGM). This was a continuation of the AGM and it was aimed at addressing three items deferred during the August 10 meeting. These were the financial reports, the appointment of new auditors and the discussion of some proposals.  After the financials were adopted, the 2024/25 season budget was tabled.

Last season, PLE’s income stood at E16 824 593. However, for this season, the estimates show that the required revenue will be E18 973 500. Sponsorships will be the main financiers of the budget according to PLE. Through sponsors, the Polycarp Dlamini-led organisation aims to raise at least E15 000 000 in sponsorships, up from E13 939 985 received in the previous season.  Already, PLE has secured 8Bet as a sponsor for the Trade Fair Cup, contributing E2 million this season. The overall sponsorship will total E7.5 million over three years. In addition, the Ingwenyama Cup competition, sponsored by the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF), recently announced a renewal of their partnership with an increased sponsorship. The package has increased to E15 million from E12 million over the previous three years.

Increase

This means each edition of the tournament will increase from E4 million to E5 million per season. Additionally, a new sponsor for the inaugural Eswatini Community Shield is yet to be announced.   The increase in the budget will also result from broadcast rights set to return this season as Eswatini Television Authority (ESTVA) plans to broadcast games live. The purchase of the rights will probable cost the broadcaster E512 000.  Furthermore, the marketing office, directed by Lindokuhle Mthupha, will be allocated E300 000 this season. 

The former Marketing Officer, Lindelwa ‘Malindi’ Dlamini, had no allocation last season.  Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati confirmed the adoption of the budget two days ago.“They (Board of Governors) pointed out some issues here and there, but they advised us and adopted it. The budget speaks holistically on the expenses of the organisation as it is a projection of what we would need,” he said while addressing the media. It is worth noting is that PLE’s projected grand total expenditure amounts to E18 959 552.

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