EFA SPLASHES OVER E1M ON AFFILIATES

MBABANE – The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has reportedly provided financial assistance of E1.5 million to its affiliated members.

The disbursement of the money by the EFA is the second instalment of the annual grants allocated to the organisation’s eight affiliates. The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) reportedly received the largest portion of the funds with an amount of E600 000, while the Eswatini Referees Association received E93 000.

Granted

Other recipients included Eswatini Football Coaches Association (EFCA), which reportedly received E93 000, and Eswatini Women Football Association (EFCA), which was reportedly granted E125 000.The remaining E1.5 million was distributed among the four regional associations of Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo, with each receiving E198 000 to support their respective programmes. This significant financial support from EFA is expected to aid the affiliates in their efforts to develop and promote football within their respective regions and across Eswatini as a whole.

The first instalment of the annual grants from the EFA was disbursed in January. EFA is expected to hold its elective annual general assembly in July 2025, during which a new executive committee will be elected. Meanwhile, the EFA Vice President Steve Horton confirmed to the publication that the second instalment of grants was indeed released to affiliates, but declined to disclose the specific amounts allocated to each organisation.

Resources

The allocation of funds by EFA to its affiliates is essential for several reasons, primarily as it enables the association to provide its members with the necessary resources for player development, infrastructure improvements and grassroots football support. This financial support not only benefits the individual organisations, but also contributes to the overall growth and strength of football in Eswatini, ensuring that young players have access to high-quality football programmes and opportunities to develop their skills and passion for the sport. Recently, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) increased the grants for its member associations, including EFA, which is now expected to receive an annual subvention of US$400 000 (equivalent to E4 million in the next CAF financial year, commencing in July 2025).

Received

Member associations of CAF previously received an annual grant of US$300 000 (E3 million), but this amount has been increased to US$400 000 (E7 million), starting from the financial year commencing in July 2025. The announcement was made by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe during the CAF general assembly held in Ethiopia, recently. A three-member delegation from Eswatini, led by EFA President Peter Samora’ Simelane, Vice President Mashumi Shongwe and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Mngomezulu, attended the CAF general assembly in Ethiopia to represent the country’s football community.

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