(At Sigwaca House)
MBABANE – A new era has dawned for the Eswatini Referees Association (ERA).
Mbongiseni Fakudze has been elected the new chairman in a landslide victory. Fakudze, a former Premier League and international referee, secured the top job with a commanding 59 out of 89 votes at the ERA’s Elective Annual General Meeting, held at Sigwaca House yesterday. His win sees him replace Simanga Nhleko, the former Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chief Executive Officer, who garnered 30 votes.
Fakudze’s win signals a fresh start for the association. His wealth of experience on the pitch is expected to be a major asset, having officiated high-profile matches including a 2018 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup Qualifier between Burundi and DR Congo, as well as numerous Confederation of African Football (CAF) fixtures before his retirement about five years ago.
The elections, overseen by the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Ethics Committee, saw several other key positions filled. Phinda Ndzimandze was elected as Vice Chairman with an overwhelming 79 votes, leaving Libnah Sibiya far behind with just 10. Mbongeni Shongwe and Kuhle Mkhatshwa returned as Secretary General and Treasurer, respectively, as they ran unopposed.
The members’ category proved to be the most contentious, requiring multiple rounds of voting to finalise. After several restarts, Thamsanqa Ginindza and Sifiso Nxumalo were eventually confirmed as the two elected members, with Nxumalo winning after a final head-to-head vote against Esrom Dlamini, who withdrew from the race. The EFA Electoral Committee chairman, Senior Magistrate Siphosini Dlamini, praised the transparency of the process despite the repeated voting in one category.
“I am grateful to all members for trusting my ExCo and me to fulfil these duties,” a grateful Fakudze said after his win. “We will work hard as per your command.”
With a new leadership team in place, the ERA looks set to embark on a new chapter, led by a man with deep roots in the game.
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