ESWATINI AMONG 12 WITHOUT CAF-APPROVED STADIUM

MBABANE – As the CAF continues making strides in ensuring that every nation possesses at least one quality stadium, Eswatini remains without a compliant facility.

The kingdom’s challenges began in 2019 when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) imposed a ban on the Somhlolo National Stadium, citing its failure to meet internationally established standards. Since then, government has undertaken renovations, and the facility is nearing completion, with expectations of receiving approval from Dr Patrice Motsepe’s federation soon. CAF has indicated that while progress has been made, at least 12 nations still lack approved stadiums.

Equating

According to their Four-Year Progress report, 63 per cent of the 54 nations, equating to 34, had no modern stadiums as of 2021. However, as of last month, this number has decreased to fewer than 12 nations without compliant facilities. “In February 2025, fewer than 12 countries now play from home, and the goal is to ensure everyone is playing at home,” CAF stated. The organisation highlighted several stadiums constructed through partnerships with governments and the private sector, including the 60 000-seater Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, which is the largest in the country and ranks as the 11th largest in Africa.

Other notable stadiums include the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algeria and Stade du Sénégal. Among the nations grappling with stadium approval issues are members of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA). Mozambique’s Zimpeto Stadium was banned last December and failed inspection last month. Other nations, including Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi and Zimbabwe, have sought refuge in South Africa, alongside the Eswatini Football Association (EFA). Madagascar and Seychelles are also facing similar challenges.

Debate

It is noteworthy that during a debate on its portfolio committee’s annual performance report and budget estimates, the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs revealed that it had requested CAF’s assistance with stadium construction. This was in response to a question from Hhukwini Member of Parliament Alec Lushaba. The ministry acknowledged: “Yes, the country is among the most challenging needs prioritised for a new stadium; however, the international football bodies have their own internal protocols, and there is yet to be a definite direction for member countries.” Looking ahead, government is expected to commence the construction of an Olympic-sized stadium, valued at E6.15 billion, in the 2026/27 financial year.

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