Times Of Swaziland: FA’S OVER E20M BUDGET FOR 2018 FA’S OVER E20M BUDGET FOR 2018 ================================================================================ BY BHEKISISA MAGONGO on 08/12/2017 01:11:00 MBABANE – The FA will need over E20 million to finance Sihlangu and other national squads’ participation in competitions next year. The National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) has already submitted a proposed budget for Sihlangu to government on time for the 2018 fiscal year. And a source close to the matter disclosed that the figure is slightly over E20 million, with the large chunk going to Sihlangu expenses such as technical bench salaries, players’ allowances, international friendly matches and about 20 official matches for the teams; Under-20, Under-17 and Sitsebe, in what will be a busy 2018 calendar. “The annual budget for Sihlangu and other national teams is about E20 million, it has been submitted to the relevant portfolio in government for consideration for next year’s budget allocation,” the source said. FA CEO Frederick Mngomezulu could only confirm that his organisation was liaising with government on Sihlangu activities and budget, but he was not in a position to state the figures involved. “We have submitted a report based on proposed activities for all national teams for next year. What we know is that there will be over 20 matches for all the national squads, given a very packed calendar. Sihlangu for instance, still have five AFCON qualifier games next year, and those will be played in between the COSAFA Castle Cup,” he said. He also said Sitsebe has two AFCON qualifier games against Lesotho early next year. “The Under-20s and Under-17s have been registered for both the COSAFA Cup and African Youth Championships qualifiers slated for 2018,” he said. Efforts to get PS Prince Mlayeto were unsuccessful for the better part of yesterday. However, the FA is also expected to organise an international friendly match even if it means playing outside the FIFA week period.