E2 MILLION GENERATOR INSTALLED AT SOMHLOLO

MBABANE – There is light at the end of the tunnel.

This is the story of the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, which is making visible strides to ensure Somhlolo National Stadium meets both the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) and Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements. The nation’s main arena was banned from hosting FIFA and CAF category ‘A’ matches, back in 2019. The country was left with the Mavuso Sports Centre, which was banned, a year later. This meant that the national team Sihlangu and continental inter-clubs competitions envoys had to seek alternative venues for home games.

Mbabane Swallows, who were representing the country in the 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, played their home matches in South Africa at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. Sihlangu, on the other hand, used the 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium, which is at Mbombela in Nelspruit.

Minister Bongani Nzima, in an interview with Eswatini TV, revealed that they were busy with the Phase Four of the rehabilitation programme.As per the budget estimates document for this government’s fiscal year, the new-look Somhlolo will have, among other features, a E10 million VVIP hospitality area and E9 million sewer and toilets. As per the breakdown, up to E3 million will be channelled into a media room; E2 million for VIP gate; E3 million for giant screen; and E2 million for backup generator. Government has further budgeted E1 million for a retractable tunnel. Up to E5 million is for professional fees and contingencies.  

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