E3M SCREEN ARRIVES

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

This is the story of the Somhlolo National Stadium, which is currently undergoing the final stage of its renovations by government through the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs. The national arena was banned from hosting high-profile matches under both the Confederation of African Football (CAF), as well as those for the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) in 2019.

This left Eswatini with one venue for category ‘A’ games for CAF and FIFA. This was the Mavuso Sports Centre, which was, however, banned a year later. The ministry was eventually given a E35 million budget which was tabled by the Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, early this year, during the budget speech in Parliament at Lobamba. According to latest developments, from impeccable sources phase IV renovations are nearing completion with the giants screen having arrived and will be set up in the coming weeks, which will make  the stadium meet the required standards.

Facilitates

CAF wants stadiums hosting official games to have a giant screen primarily for two reasons. Firstly, a large-scale screen facilitates the smooth running of the match by allowing players and officials to view critical game information, such as player substitutions, time left on the clock and video replays. Secondly, it enhances the fans’ experience by providing live broadcasts, replays and player statistics, contributing to a more dynamic and engaging atmosphere at the stadium. Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane confirmed the arrival of the new screen at Somhlolo National Stadium. He added that with this milestone achieved, the final steps in the stadium’s refurbishment process, including the completion of the sewage and toilet facilities, remain to be completed.

“The ongoing upgrades at Somhlolo National Stadium are progressing smoothly, with the aim of finishing the project early next year. While we initially aimed for a September completion, it is evident from the steady progress that the renovation work is on the right track. I am excited by the visual improvements to the stadium, which promises to enhance the game-day experience for all spectators,” he said.

Rehabilitation

It is worth mentioning that Minister Rijkenberg tabled a E35 million budget for the national arena’s phase 4 rehabilitation during this year’s budget speech in February. However, 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 a backup generator.

Government has further budgeted E1 million for a retractable tunnel. Up to E5 million is for professional fees and contingencies. In a recent inquiry, the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs divulged that a minimum of E10 263 000 has been expended to host matches for the Eswatini men’s national team, Sihlangu, in foreign venues. This information was disclosed in response to the queries raised by Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP), Welcome Dlamini, who sought to understand the financial implications of Sihlangu playing home games away from home.

“The above-stated expenditure does not cover the costs incurred by fans, supporters and other stakeholders as a result of the matches being played away, especially as they have to attend the matches. It must also be mentioned that the figure does not include the costs borne by the football associations to assist football clubs when hosting their own international matches,” the ministry’s report reads.  

The ministry further elaborated that the substantial amount of money spent on hosting Sihlangu matches in foreign venues could have instead been invested domestically, contributing to the growth of the economy. Based on the data provided, the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) purportedly spends an average of E933 000 per game, with this amount covering stadium booking and lighting, security arrangements, accommodations for match officials, association personnel and the national team, as well as the costs associated with transportation.

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