MBABANE – They say leaders are decisive, and Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini proved just that after correctly predicting Spain would be crowned FIFA World Cup champions.
Dlamini remained unwavering in his prediction despite being asked twice by members of the media who he believed would lift the trophy – once before kick-off and again during the half-time interval of the FIFA World Cup final during the Mbabane Municipality Council watch party at Prince of Wales Sports Ground, in the heart of the capital city, yesterday.
The Prime Minister said Spain had convinced him throughout the tournament, particularly after eliminating one of his pre-tournament favourites, France.
“I believed France would win the World Cup, but they were knocked out by Spain. The team that knocked out France will win the World Cup, and that is Spain, who have been consistent from the group stages until the final,” said Dlamini.
He jokingly added that if Spain failed to win, members of the media were free to “come and collect their money”, insisting his bet was firmly on La Roja.
His confidence was rewarded as Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their second FIFA World Cup title.
The Prime Minister joined hundreds of football enthusiasts who braved the winter cold to attend the Mbabane Municipality Council-hosted watch party at Prince of Wales Sports Ground in the heart of the capital city, where fans watched the final on giant screens.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, Mbabane Municipality Chief Executive Officer Gciniwe Fakudze, Eswatini Football Association Chief Executive Officer Frederick Mngomezulu and Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association Chief Executive Officer Maxwell Jele.
The watch party produced a vibrant atmosphere as supporters cheered every moment of the closely contested encounter before erupting into celebration when Torres struck deep into extra time to secure Spain’s place at the summit of world football.
