MBABANE – Eswatini’s football ‘Mecca’ has been made available after a long hiatus.
This comes after the Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, in a press release, revealed the availability of the Somhlolo National Stadium at Lobamba.
“The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs wishes to inform the general public, sporting associations, clubs, institutions and all relevant stakeholders that Somhlolo National Stadium is now officially available for booking and use for sporting and related events,” reads part of the press release.
This follows the successful rehabilitation of the facility, where the approved user fee for the utilisation of the stadium is E10 000 per game, as approved by the Ministry of Finance.
This means that government can earn up to E20 000 per day, if there is a double-header.
“This fee is intended to support the sustainable maintenance, management and long-term preservation of this important national asset,” continues the statement.
Moreover, the ministry emphasised that Somhlolo National Stadium is a national heritage and strategic sporting infrastructure, intended to serve the interests of emaSwati by promoting sports development, youth empowerment and talent development, healthy lifestyles and as well as national unity through sport.
They further added that all users are, therefore, strongly encouraged to ensure proper, responsible and respectful use of the stadium.
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Government has finally opened Somhlolo National Stadium gates eight months later. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)