MBABANE – Government requires an estimated E99 million to complete the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Somhlolo National Stadium to meet strict CAF standards.
This revelation was made in the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs parliamentary responses during its portfolio committee first quarter performance for the financial year 2026/27. The ministry’s portfolio committee is chaired by Sifiso ‘Haizo’ Shabalala.
According to the report, the E99 million budget is earmarked to cover major structural and technological overhauls.
Key projects, which were initially flagged by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) during their first inspection, include the construction of the eastern stand at the area that is widely known ass the ‘no-man’s land’, a dedicated media centre and modern ablution facilities.
The funds will also cater for first aid facilities, turnstiles, fencing, gates, external paving and hospitality cladding. Furthermore, comprehensive upgrades will be made to the stadium’s electrical, mechanical, fire-fighting, CCTV and sound systems.
However, the rehabilitation is currently stalled as a lack of funding has prevented the execution of the final phase required for compliance.
This report comes at a time when the Parliament Finance Portfolio Committee redirected funds, which were allocated to the ministry during the budget speech earlier this year, to microprojects.
Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg had previously allocated E42 million to renovate the stadium to meet strict hosting standards, but these funds were similarly redirected, effectively halting progress on the venue.
While the Somhlolo National Stadium was previously granted temporary approval by CAF, this has since expired, leaving the venue no longer certified to host Category ‘A’ international matches.
Since the stadium was officially banned by CAF in 2019, the national team, Sihlangu Semnikati, and the country’s continental club envoys have been forced to source alternative venues in South Africa, most notably the Mbombela Stadium, to host their home fixtures.
Beyond the infrastructure challenges, the ministry also addressed urgent concerns regarding the delayed appointment of the senior national team head coach.
Responding to queries from parliamentarians, who warned against further delays in team preparation ahead of upcoming international assignments, the ministry confirmed that the recruitment process is currently underway.
“The recruitment of the Sihlangu coach is still in progress, with several applications being assessed. The concern regarding the time available for preparation is noted,” the ministry stated.
The ministry projected that the substantive coaching staff will be fully appointed and in place by the time the new domestic league season commences.
This timeline is expected to give the incoming mentor adequate time to scout players and prepare the squad for international duties.
It is worth noting that the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) is in search of a new coach to lead the Lindo ‘Bhabhalazi’ Mkhonta-captained troops after Croatian gaffer Zdravko ‘Loga’ Logarusic left the post last year in September.
His position was temporarily filled by former Royal Leopard Coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane, whose short-term contract expired in May, just a few hours after leading Sihlangu to a humiliating defeat at the hands of Eritrea.
This was in the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) two-legged preliminary round, which Sihlangu lost 4-1 on aggregate.
