E3M BOOST FOR PLE!

MBABANE – A huge relief!

The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) can heave a sigh of relief as the organisation is expected to receive about E3 million from the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) ahead of the new season. The PLE, which manages the MTN Premier League, MTN National First Division and development leagues, is expected to receive the financial assistance before end of the week as the MTN League is set to kick-off this weekend. PLE received the same amount last year and they expect an improved package this time around, especially because the COVID-19 pandemic is still in existence. A source close to the matter said the PLE would commission the start of the leagues once they received financial assistance from the football mother body.

struggling

About E2.2 million is for COVID-19 assistance while the rest goes to administration, including the payment of match officials. PLE clubs have been struggling financially as there is no revenue due to the absence of soccer fans in the stadiums. The source said the money is expected to increase. PLE Chief Operations Officer (COO) Pat Vilakati said this was an internal matter and the better stakeholder to comment on this issue was the EFA. The source revealed that PLE had submitted a budget of over E3 million to EFA before the start of the season. “The numbers of teams in both leagues remain increased than the normal numbers before COVID-19. PLE expects an increased package as the struggle continues. The league will again start and be played without the fans who are contributing big time through gate collections to the teams’ coffers,” said the source.

The PLE would have struggled to finish the MTN League last season without the financial assistance from EFA, especially in the payments of match officials’ allowances. EFA Marketing and Communications Manager Muzi Radebe said he could not discuss the issue of financials, but all would be revealed during their Annual General meeting (AGM).

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