MBABANE – The Suspected use of foreign substances by football teams using the KaLanga Technical Centre has resulted in significant damage to the facility’s pitch.
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) invested E31.5 million in constructing the technical centre and installing the artificial turf at the venue, which was officially opened by former Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga.
It was previously reported that E21 million was spent on the construction of the centre itself, while E8 million was allocated to the installation of the artificial turf, with a further E2.5 million projected for the synthetic track designated for athletics events.
The technical centre also features a hall, changing rooms, offices, toilets and a boardroom. The funding for the venue came as part of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) ‘Football Forward Programme’.
According to a source close to the third technical centre, damage to the turf was discovered just before the MTN Premier League match between Green Mamba and Ezulwini United this past Wednesday. However, this does not mean that the two teams are implicated.
“The disturbing scene was witnessed during a pitch inspection as Green Mamba hosted Ezulwini United on Wednesday and the Lubombo FA is deeply concerned,” the source stated.
The source explained that after the damage was discovered, an immediate plan was made to patch the affected areas, as the turf had been extensively cut. The source also alleged that the damage was reported to both the EFA and the Lubombo Regional Football Association (LRFA), which is the custodian of the venue.
The Times SUNDAY Sports Desk investigated the matter and confirmed that the centre had indeed been damaged around the corner flags, near the goalposts and in the centre of the pitch.
According to the source, the cost of the damage will be borne by the EFA, as no team is likely to take responsibility. “I cannot quantify the damage in monetary terms, but it will cost a lot. If push comes to shove, the affected section will need to be replaced entirely,” the source said.
Lubombo Regional Football Association (LRFA) Chairman, Lucky Dlamini, confirmed that the KaLanga Technical Centre has been damaged. The newly-elected chairman, who also serves as the Eswatini Schools Sports Association (ESSA) treasurer, alleged that the damage is being caused by Premier League teams.
“I am aware of the situation. Premier League teams are damaging the turf due to their muti beliefs and we are yet to engage the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) on the matter. We also need to engage the EFA. The turf is extremely expensive and is not manufactured in Eswatini,” Dlamini stated.
Meanwhile, EFA Marketing and Communications Officer, Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe, said that relevant experts are engaged whenever a turf is damaged. “Unfortunately, I have not yet seen the turf. However, these fall under general maintenance issues.
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