A GAME-CHANGER FOR ESWATINI FOOTBALL AS: : E3M SOMHLOLO GIANT SCREEN INSTALLED

MBABANE – Huge strides!

Somhlolo National Stadium has taken significant strides towards its goal of hosting games in the first quarter of this year, as desired by the ministry. The stadium successfully hosted Confederation of African Football (CAF) TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers yesterday, demonstrating its eligibility to host such events after a ban in 2022.  

The ban prevented the stadium from hosting category ‘A’ games, including senior men’s national team matches featuring Sihlangu and interclub competitions. The soccer ‘Mecca’ is currently undergoing Phase VI of its renovations, funded by government through the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.  The government allocated E35 million for its facelift in the current fiscal year.  

Of the initial allocation, E15 million was used in the previous fiscal year, with the remaining E20 million earmarked for the 2025/26 financial year, according to budget estimates. An inspection of Somhlolo on Thursday and yesterday revealed the latest developments, with the notable milestone of the giant screen installation – a crucial component for the facility – now complete.

The eagerly anticipated Phase VI renovations, designed to bring the stadium’s amenities up to international standards, appear to be nearing completion. The installation of giant screens plays two vital roles in football. Firstly, they streamline match management, allowing players, officials, and coaches access to important information for fair play and smooth game progression.

Secondly, they enhance the fan experience by providing real-time updates, replays and player statistics, making match days more engaging and exciting. Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane confirmed the arrival and installation of the new screen at Somhlolo National Stadium. He added that with this milestone achieved, the final steps in the stadium’s refurbishment, including the completion of sewage and toilet facilities, remain.

The EFA eagerly awaits the completion of the renovations, as they hope to host two upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers at home. Sihlangu will play Cameroon in the third week of March. Playing at Somhlolo would be a significant relief due to the high cost of hosting home games in South Africa, which the EFA estimates at a minimum of E933 000 per match.

In the current financial year, the E35 million stadium budget included E10 million for a VVIP hospitality area and E9 million for a sewer and toilet system.  E3 million was allocated to the giant screen and media room, while E2 million was assigned to the VIP gate and a backup generator. The government has further budgeted E1 million for a retractable tunnel and up to E5 million for professional fees and contingencies.

South Africa’s Soccer City, which hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, boasts a massive 2 000 square metre LED screen. This technological marvel not only elevates the fan experience, but also exemplifies how large screens have become integral to modern sports venues.

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