‘BIRDS’ WELILE HEADS 16-TEAM COMMITTEE

MBABANE – Capital city giants Mbabane Swallows Chairman Welile Mabuza has been appointed to chair the committee that will look into the feasibility and viability of the 16-club league.

This is after the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) took a bold step forward in its mission to transform football in the kingdom, announcing the creation of several new committees tasked with spearheading key projects. The announcement came from PLE Chairman Polycarp Dlamini during a media briefing at Sigwaca House yesterday, marking a pivotal moment for the organisation.

With a term capped at two years, these committees will tackle vital aspects of the league’s operations, including competition management, finance, marketing, security and business development. Dlamini underscored the importance of these groups in ensuring the league’s sustainability and growth, as well as fostering a stable environment for clubs and players alike.

Among the standout initiatives is the Policy Making Committee, chaired by Osborne Nzima and supported by Samkelo Motsa of Sisonkhe and Thembinkosi Hlanze of Rangers. This committee is set to introduce regulations to standardise salaries for players and coaches. “We want salaries to be consistent across the board,” Dlamini explained. “This will prevent financial instability for teams when directors move on.”

The Competitions Committee, led by Sitsembiso ‘Ngudze’ Mamba, will oversee the league’s sporting framework, while Sicelo Mkhonta heads the Finance Committee to ensure sound fiscal management. Marketing efforts will fall under Sandile ‘Beyond 2000’ Zwane’s leadership and Melusi Dlamini will manage security to safeguard events and venues.

Dlamini placed significant emphasis on nurturing young talent, with proposed changes to team compositions reflecting this priority. In the National First Division (NFD), teams could soon field four players under the age of 21, a move overseen by Welile Mabuza, alongside committee members Victor Rodriguez of Malanti Chiefs and Royal Leopard’s Danga Fakudze. “If you look at the teams excelling in the under-19 category, they rely on junior players,” Dlamini noted. “We want players to develop through regular game time, and having 16 teams will also attract sponsors.”

Adding to the excitement, Dlamini revealed plans for a new Community Shield competition, alongside other tournaments in the pipeline. Talks with potential sponsors are underway to bring these ideas to fruition. The Business and Programs Committee, chaired by Sibusiso ‘Scorpian’ Nxumalo, with Derrick Shiba of Nsingizini Hotspurs and Mark Carmichael of Denver Sundowns as members, will drive commercial initiatives to bolster the league’s profile. Meanwhile, Dlamini praised the success of events like the Ingwenyama Cup, which raised over E500 000 at Mavuso Sports Centre, crediting fans for their exemplary behaviour and highlighting the need for robust crowd control.

Progress at Somhlolo Stadium was another point of pride for the chairman, who encouraged teams to host matches at venues capable of drawing large crowds, provided security is prioritised. Plans are also in motion to utilise Prince of Wales Stadium, though Dlamini stressed the importance of upgrading facilities—such as toilets, dressing rooms, and parking—before proceeding. “We’ll make plans first,” he assured.In closing, Dlamini expressed heartfelt thanks to His Majesty for his unwavering support and vision for Eswatini football. “This is about building a brighter future for the sport,” he said, radiating optimism about the PLE’s direction.

List of PLE Portfolio Committees and Appointments

1. Competitions Committee
   - Chairperson: Sitsembiso ‘Ngudze’ Mamba

2. Finance Committee
   - Chairperson: Sicelo Mohonta

3. Marketing Committee
   - Chairperson: Sandile ‘Beyond 2000’ Zwane

4. Security Committee
   - Chairperson: Melusi Dlamini

5. Policy Making Committee
   - Chairperson: Osborne Nzima
   - Members: Samkelo Motsa (Sisonkhe), Thembinkosi Hlanze (Rangers)

6. 16 teams and under 23 Committee (NFD Age Limit Proposal)
   - Chairperson: Welile Mabuza (M.Swallows)
   - Members: Victor Rodriguez (Malanti), Richard ‘Danka’ Fakudze (Leopard)

7. Business and Programs Committee
   - Chairperson: Sibusiso ‘Scorpian’ Nxumalo (Rangers)
   - Members: Derrick Shiba (Nsingizini Hotspurs), Mark Carmichael (Denver Sundowns)

8. Under-19 committee
Chairman- Bongani ‘Bhanyaza’ Mdluli
Members - Gcina Ndwandwe,Mduduzi Masilela and Wandile Mazibuko.

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