SWAZIBANK CUP A PLATFORM FOR REGIONAL TEAMS TO SHINE

MBABANE – You do not doubt an H Five leader when you see one. SwaziBank Managing Director Zakhele who has just stepped onto the boot left by the late Stanley Matsebula has proven to be a leader who recognises the significance of working in a team for the team.

He has settled in well in his position, and has effortlessly carried the huge responsibility with great humility, but without losing focus on the bigger goal of steering it to greater heights.
For Lukhele, it is not about him, but the institution, and he understands that the key responsibility for him to safeguard the interests of the bank while taking it forward. He is soft spoken, but still eloquent on issues pertaining to the bank and of course its long cherished child, the SwaziBank Cup.

Here is a leader who has taken the baton from the founding MD Matsebula and pursued towards making SwaziBank one of the best.
He will go down in his history as the one at the helm of the bank, when the SwaziBank Cup broke into the E1 million mark in prize money. Yes, this year’s winners of the competition will take home a million and Lukhele cherished the increment, which he said was aimed at improving competition. Like all of us, the MD sees the tournament as a platform for the regional teams to perform against the big boys in local football.  As the 13th edition of the competition kicks off tonight with a double header at Mayaluka Stadium and Somhlolo National Stadium, read on as the MD pours his heart  on many topical issues regarding the magical SwaziBank Cup.

TIMES: No doubt, the SwaziBank Cup has been influential in local football calendar, how does the bank seek to entrench even further the impact of the competition going forward?
LUKHELE: The tournament has created a lot of excitement in local football. Soccer clubs and fans look forward to the tournament every year. As a knockout series, teams must do their best in every game, and there are no small teams in the knockout.

The tournament is also important because it features teams from all levels of soccer in the country. Although, I cannot predict what will happen in the long run for the foreseeable future, the bank is committed to the tournament. We have a three-year contract with the FA and PLS ending in 2017, and we should see it through and then sit down and negotiate again.
TIMES: What has been the major letdown on the tournament? What would you like to see change?

LUKHELE: The major letdown has been the unavailability of stadiums and that can accommodate the massive crowds during finals.
TIMES: Has it ever crossed the bank’s mind to consider investing in the construction of a stadium, just like some of your competitors in other countries?
LUKHELE:  Stadiums, especially if we are talking about world-class stadiums in South Africa, are very expensive to construct and to maintain. Relative to our budget they are unaffordable to us as a bank in a small economy and population size. Howaever, we are happy to learn that the FA is upgrading soccer grounds and stadiums across the country.

TIMES: This year’s tournament has a new slogan ‘Sidlala Kanje’. What message is it sending out there or what significance does it represent?
LUKHELE: The slogan has many interpretations, which include, ‘this is how we do it’ and or ‘this is how we play our game’ Of course; a team that wins a match can also refer to it and say Ibhola siyidlala kanje.
TIMES: The bank has always added its voice in the call for teams to turn professional. Do you think it is feasible in this country? What can be done to ensure that this dream becomes a reality?

LUKHELE: We have seen a great improvement on that aspect, it is possible to have all or most teams run professionally. We just need to put more effort into that and people must appreciate that football has become more of a business worldwide.
TIMES: Looking back to 2004 when the tournament was incepted, which moment stands out for you?

LUKHELE: Every edition been special in its own way. The best moments and the excitement for me has been created when the so-called small teams from the regions have progressed and given the Premier League clubs a tough time. This has shown that our soccer is progressing at all levels, and this tournament has given the regional teams the platform to shine.

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