MBABANE – Despite earlier reports of tension between the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth and referee Letticia Viana, fresh developments suggest a shift towards reconciliation and official support.
News of the friction was reported by this publication earlier this year, towards the end of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which was staged in Morocco from December to January.
Reports indicated that the ministry was at loggerheads with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) specialist. The clash allegedly stemmed from her employer refusing to release the official for international assignments, with claims that her duties were left unattended during her absence.
However, the Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, expressed his pride in the referee in Parliament on Wednesday. This occurred during his ministry’s portfolio committee session in the Senate, where senators deliberated on the ministry’s budget allocation. During his preamble, he highlighted some key areas and took the opportunity to speak on the female official.
He stated his belief that the House had read in the newspapers that the referee has been appointed to officiate in a number of high-profile international tournaments. Nzima noted that Viana is among the few in Southern Africa to be part of the VAR team and appointed for major continental and global sporting events. The Sandleni Member of Parliament (MP) also said that this gives government further reason to professionalise sports in the country for the benefit of all sports personalities. He pleaded that Letticia gets support as she travels on refereeing duties. Meanwhile, Princess Ncengencenge, reacting to the minister’s remarks, congratulated Viana, describing her achievements as groundbreaking.
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