MBABANE – The E4.9 million deficit by the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) was partly due to the increased expenditure in travel and accommodation, allowances and claims.
This is revealed in the EFA detailed statement of the financial performance for the year that ended on December 2024 which was presented during the organisation’s general assembly at Hilton Garden Inn, two days ago.
Financial records reveal a monumental increase in travel and accommodation expenses, which surged to E18.2 million in 2024 – a dramatic difference of over E7 million from the previous financial year.
The rise in costs is directly linked to the national team, Sihlangu, which had an exceptionally busy schedule. This included travel for the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers.
Furthermore, the financial burden was compounded by the fact that Sihlangu were forced to play their home games outside the country, in Mbombela, South Africa, due to the lack of suitable venues in the country.
This necessitated substantial expenditure on travel and accommodation for both players and support staff for what would typically have been a local fixture.
Beyond these crucial factors, other major expenditures also weighed heavily on the EFA’s finances. Claims and allowances also saw a jump, rising to E5.99 million in 2024 from E5.95 million in 2023.
While less dramatic than the travel expenses, this incremental rise still compounded the financial strain.
A notable expenditure was on motor vehicle repairs and maintenance, reaching E870 853.
This figure is particularly significant as the EFA had to acquire a refurbished 52-seater bus, trading it in for the one that was tragically burnt during the political unrest over three years ago. This necessary replacement contributed to the overall increase in operational costs.
The grant to affiliates was a substantial expense, amounting to E3.5 million, a significant increase from E3.1 million in 2023. CAF competitions and the FIFA football for schools programme also contributed to the increase in expenditure.
The CAF competition expenses amounted to E432 780 in 2024, a notable rise from E225 085 in 2023.
The FIFA football for schools programme expenditure also saw an increase, reaching E929 346 in 2024 compared to zero Emalangeni spent in 2023.
EFA President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane addressed the delegates at the general assembly, highlighting the severe financial constraints faced by the football association. He attributed these challenges directly to the necessity of hosting international ‘A’ category matches outside the country.
Full article available in our paper.
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