LOBAMBA – Senators voiced strong discontent yesterday with the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs’ first-quarter performance report.
The report triggered a wide-ranging debate in the House of Senate, casting a harsh light on the precarious state of Eswatini’s sports. The session, led by Celumusa Mvoti of the Portfolio Committee for Sports, brought to the forefront urgent issues like the protracted delays in renovating Somhlolo National Stadium and the severe financial woes plaguing local football clubs, particularly the controversial 20 per cent deductions from their prize money.
A central theme of the debate was the alleged squandering of millions intended for the Somhlolo National Stadium’s 2010 World Cup renovations. Senator Ndumiso Mdluli and Chief Mvimbi Matse vehemently questioned Minister Bongani Nzima on the whereabouts of these funds, with Chief Matse directly demanding an investigation into “who ate Somhlolo National Stadium money.” Persistent delays in the stadium’s CAF approval for international matches also drew criticism, prompting Senator Mdluli to inquire about alternative venues should Somhlolo remain unfit. Minister Nzima clarified that FIFA’s 2010 funding was specifically for the artificial turf pitch, not the overall stadium construction, as FIFA does not fund such projects. He reiterated that the larger responsibility for the stadium’s completion lies with the country.
Beyond infrastructure, the financial exploitation of local teams by the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) dominated discussions. Senators decried the PLE’s practice of taking over 20% from gate collections, arguing this was “milking teams dry.” Chief Mvimbi Matse raised specific concerns about this distribution of funds, which Minister Nzima acknowledged, promising an investigation into the matter. The Minister stated that while regulations for fund distribution are normally clear to clubs before participation, the Ministry would look into the issue.
The Senate also pressed the Ministry on the overall performance of Eswatini’s national and club teams in international competitions, given their consistently dismal results, including humiliating 8-0 losses in CAF games. Chief Matse and other senators even suggested a temporary break from international football for both national and local clubs. Minister Nzima conceded that poor performances were a significant concern, largely attributing them to financial strains on teams, which force them to divert resources to hosting matches abroad instead of investing in team preparations.
Full story in today’s paper.
Leave a comment