MBABANE – The Eswatini Football Association’s (EFA) annual budget is set for a massive windfall following the introduction of a new continental showpiece: the African Nations League.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a major restructuring of its financial model, a move expected to breathe new life into local football development.
Despite five decades of effort, Eswatini is yet to qualify for a major continental or international tournament, but this fresh injection of capital could change the nation’s trajectory.
Objectives
The objectives of the new tournament appear to be a direct answer to the struggles of smaller nations – struggles that have recently caught the attention of His Majesty King Mswati III.
The African Nations League aims to boost competitiveness, foster grassroots development and ensure regular high-level football across the continent.
Announcing the restructuring, CAF President Patrice Motsepe revealed an ambitious financial roadmap.
“The US$1 billion (approx. E18.3 billion) tender we have initiated will enable CAF to contribute US$1 million (E16.7 million) every year to each of the 54 CAF Member Associations,” Motsepe stated. “This is five times more than the US$200 000 each association received before the current leadership took office.”
As of last year, annual grants had already doubled to US$400 000 (roughly E6.7 million). Under this latest development, the EFA’s grant is expected to swell by an additional E10 million, reaching the landmark E16.7 million mark annually.
“We will allocate substantial financial resources to training and developing young male and female players. This is the best investment we can make for the future of African football,” Motsepe added.
The funding is earmarked for youth competitions, club football, and zonal tournaments such as COSAFA. Crucially, CAF has issued a clear mandate regarding women’s football – an area where the kingdom has historically lagged behind. CAF has ruled that 30 per cent of all grants must be dedicated to the women’s game.
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