Mkhuzweni still in ruins 127 days later

MBABANE – The Mkhuzweni Technical Centre remains a skeleton of its former self, exactly 127 days since a severe storm tore through Buhleni.

The Eswatini Football Association’s (EFA) fourth technical centre, located in the northern Hhohho Region, was severely damaged when the storm swept through parts of the country on December 3, 2025.

The facility, situated just a few kilometres from the rapidly developing Buhleni Town, suffered extensive destruction during the weather event.

Donald Nkonyane, the Vice Chairman of the Hhohho Regional Football Association (HRFA), previously stated that the damage at the venue is severe. The storm struck just days before the centre was due to host an MTN Premier League match between Royal Leopard and Nsingizini Hotspurs, a fixture that ended in a draw.

Nkonyane noted that the scale of the damage was beyond the HRFA’s control and confirmed that the matter had been reported to the EFA Executive for assessment.

EFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Mngomezulu previously provided an update on the situation, stating that the association was still unable to fully quantify the extent of the financial losses and structural damage.

This statement was made a week after the destruction, during the welcoming event for the national Under-15 team following the Confederation of African Football (CAF) African Schools Football Championship/COSAFA Qualifiers held in Stellenbosch, South Africa, last December.

This publication later sought comment from HRFA Chairman Dr Comfort Shongwe regarding updates on the E35 million technical centre. Shongwe revealed that both his association and the local football governing body currently lack the funds to commence renovations.

Today marks the 127^th day since the venue was ravaged by the storm, yet it remains in ruins as the EFA has not yet begun any repairs.

EFA Marketing and Communications Manager Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe could not be reached for comment by the time this report was compiled. Similarly, Shongwe was unavailable for further comment, stating he is currently out of the country.

It is noteworthy that the visible damage at the facility includes collapsed ceilings in several offices, particularly in the main hall, as well as significant damage to the technical area seats, the shelters and the ball-stop safety nets.

The Mkhuzweni Technical Centre was officially opened by the former Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga.