IS SWAZI SOCCER AT CROSS-ROADS?

Sir,

Please allow me space in your widely read newspaper to share my views and insights about the state of soccer in Swaziland.

These views and insights are a personal reflection as a former soccer player from the dusty Moneni Pirates playground to Zakhele (1968-1983)  and finally to the Trade Fair, Somhlolo and the rest of the better fields at  Big Bend, Mhlume, Mbabane, and Bhunya Stadiums.

There is no doubt that the standard of soccer and its administration has improved significantly which is why even the sponsorship has increased.
Talents of players have been fully exploited.

Hence, Swaziland has had many of our local players attracting South Africa and recently, DRC.  Today, we have the likes of Scara Thindwa, William ‘Cool Cat’ Shongwe and many others as our legends doing trade in South Africa.

Furthermore, the administration of soccer has greatly improved! Bravo Mr Victor ‘Maradona’ Gamedze.
I wish you the best because even at the Swallows camp, your leadership skills are demonstrated. We were, however, saddened by the demise of Mr Manana whose PRO skills influenced many other PROs on how to market their games and teams.

However, the sad story which is the major focus of this article is the current debate whether or not to increase the number of teams in our top league from 14 to 16.
Why are we contemplating increasing the teams? Is the timing appropriate?
The last time we as the public heard of this matter, was when some prominent team was sent to second division. Are we being fair?

Let me remind Swazis that we have lost the following teams: Milling Hot Spurs, Mhlume Peace Makers, Mbabane Dribbling Wizard, Bulembu Young Aces, Bhunya Black Aces, Manzini Green Sea, Manzini Preston Brothers and Mhlambanyatsi Rovers.

Nothing was done to save these teams. Some of these teams were crowd pullers but no effort was expended to save them. Why this time around? Some of these fallen teams have raised and groomed many young players today.
A good example is TT Tsabedze, son of Zuluway Tsabedze. What message are we sending to the public and teams? Are certain teams given preferential treatment?

Effective leadership, administration and management are the only tools to save teams from being relegated.  Yes, referring during our time also favoured the same teams that are being protected today. Let us be fair!  Teams should fight to remain in the elite league but not protected to remain there. Teams should earn remaining in the top league!

‘Zero’ Dube, Mbabane

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