A PLEA TO SPORTS MINISTRY

Sir,
 
Allow me to stipulate on what our Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs should concentrate on if its mandate is to take our sports, football in particular, to a much higher level. I am always bothered by what we have really done to develop the quality of football as a country.

Football has become one of the most watched and paying sporting activity in the world. Many nations have taken turns to invest millions to the game, and have ripped the fruit of their actions.

Our neighbour, South Africa, for instance, has one of the best soccer leagues in the continent and currently their national team is a point away from snatching their place in the AFCON tournament next year. What is stopping us as a nation to take those steps?

If it is lack of funds, I wouldn’t agree looking back at how our government has been splashing money, on which I choose not to elaborate on.
Most emaSwati have one thing in common, the love of football.

People have lost faith in our national team due to its recent disappointing results in continental tournaments. However, our government should be aware that if the kingdom wants to spread a good image of the country internationally when it comes to soccer activities, more funds should be invested in order for the game to develop so our national teams and squads can start doing well.

Sponsorships

Sponsorships should not only be provided on elite leagues, but it must begin down at zone levels, especially those in the countryside. There you find young, talented, future soccer players who are not groomed properly, thus a lot of talent is wasted.
It makes little if no difference to bring an international coach to manage our local players if they are not motivated to play for the national team. It is very de-motivating to commit to an activity that rewards less than the amount of hard work and time you engage to it.

We always complain that our national players are not committed or lack discipline; some say they are too engaged in bad behaviour; and a lot more accusations. Are they paid enough to be kept motivated?

Government should consider making sports a career. Athletes should be rewarded for their talents, as it happens in other nations. Teams should receive enough commission from the ministry in order to easily manage players through the formulation of player houses as an example.
Government should also establish sports academies, so that young people can learn more about sports and make use of their talents.

Plead

The minister should plead with government for more funds to endorse our beloved sporting fraternity. In 2019 I hope to see new establishments in the country when it comes to taking football to another direction.
Mbabane Swallows have done their part of putting the country on the global map through their recent run in CAF tournaments. Let us not smoke their effort but use it as a stepping stone.

Brand Shota

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: