MBABANE – Could there be some good news coming soon?
That is likely the question most emaSwati are asking themselves concerning Somhlolo National Stadium’s readiness to meet the minimum benchmarks set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). A CAF Stadium Inspection Team arrived in the kingdom six days ago and conducted an intensive inspection of the revamped soccer ‘Mecca’.
According to a source privy to the information, the inspection began on Monday and concluded on Thursday, running from as early as 7am until 5pm daily. The source, who was part of those providing back-up services at the stadium during the exercise, revealed that the process was intense, with tasks completed at a fast pace.
It said Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Mngomezulu, who led them had questions thrown at him and responses recorded as the inspection unfolded. However, it observed some general satisfaction from the inspectors with the renovations that were done.
On Wednesday, this publication visited Somhlolo but was turned back. Mngomezulu explained that the media was not allowed to witness the inspection. “Actually, there were minor issues raised which, I believe, couldn’t even render the stadium unfit.
“Even when they were noted, they were swiftly attended to as the Ministry (of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs) seemed determined to yield positive results after all. So, when they finished other areas, they found that those areas with concerns had been fixed,” the source said. Some of the areas referenced included site maps and billboards.
It was stated that sometimes CAF complained that the font size used was small, while some misplaced entrances in structure, were also attended to promptly.
The source further revealed that the dressing rooms also received some praise without any hesitation. “From my observation, the stadium will get a thumbs-up, as I rarely remember anything that was a big issue. Imagine if it were to fail; how would the minister explain it to the nation after spending so many millions on renovations?” the source questioned.
However, Mngomezulu stated that all aspects of the facility were inspected by different inspection departments, which left the country yesterday. These aspects included the pitch, stadium structure and security, among others. “They will each submit reports and the CAF Professional Football Department will compile them and then give us the outcome of our efforts,” the CEO said.
He noted that they did not stipulate time frames for a response but was optimistic such would happen this month, as the continental body is rolling out stadium inspections across the continent.
“But the position of the country, as well as the football community, is that all that was done at Somhlolo was for the stadium to get approval that international games could return to the country,” Mngomezulu added. He concluded by saying they are now waiting with bated breath for the results.
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