MBABANE- Eswatini is in line for a FIFA-standard stadium after CAFpledged to develop football infrastructure in all 54 member countries.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said the continental body would partner with governments and the private sector to
build, upgrade and maintain venues to Confederation of African Football (CAF) and International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) levels. Motsepe revealed this during a media address held at the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa a few days ago.
The president discussed, among other things, the performance of African nations in the recently concluded 2026 World Cup, which was won by Spain and co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States of America (USA).
“We will also strengthen and expand the partnerships between our member associations, governments and the private sector to develop, support, sponsor and grow football in each of the 54 African countries,” Motsepe said.
He said these partnerships are vital for building, upgrading and maintaining football infrastructure and facilities in each of the continental governing body’s member association (MA) countries.
Motsepe stressed that national teams must play on home soil, stating that it is essential for each of the 54 MAs to have a stadium at the requisite CAF and FIFA level.
“Every national team and football club must play its matches in their country and in front of their local supporters and fans,” he added.
CAF stated that the stadium development programme would be rolled out across all six zones ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Further reports indicate that CAF aims to develop projects including the reconstruction of 30 stadiums across less developed nations.
The CAF pledge aligns with the government’s push for a world-class facility. His Majesty King Mswati III has directed the government to build a world-class 40 000-seater stadium in the country while Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has further committed to delivering the project.
Furthermore, the Mankayane Town Board has launched an initiative to construct a 20 000-seater stadium.
Sihlangu currently has no venue approved to host CAF and FIFA senior internationals and has been forced to play home matches in South Africa and other countries.
Within the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA), several nations lack a venue that meets standard criteria, occasionally relying on partial approval from CAF to host games. These include Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Namibia.
