E1.2BN MINIMUM COST FOR NEW STADIUM

EZULWINI – It could cost the country over E1.2 billion to construct a proper stadium.

This is according to the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane. He told delegates during the EFA Ordinary General Assembly (OGA) held at Happy Valley Hotel yesterday that it was impossible for EFA to construct one. The country is currently without an approved stadium by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host international games under their auspices. Somhlolo National Stadium and Mavuso Sports Centre were banned from hosting international matches due to poor standards and not meeting requirements by FIFA and CAF.

forced

The national teams, including Sihlangu and clubs playing under CAF inter-club tournaments, had been forced to host their international games in neighbouring country South Africa’s stadiums in the past year. Simelane was answering a delegate on how they were assisting the country in terms of having adequate playing grounds or stadiums. He said it was impossible for EFA to construct one as it was far beyond their budget. “The minimum that could be spent on stadium construction can reach up to about E1.2 billion. There is no way FIFA grants can accommodate the construction of the stadium, as we receive about US$1 million that is almost equivalent to E16 million annually,” he said.

EFA had only been able to construct technical centres in the country through the FIFA projects. Shiselweni has the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, with Hhohho having the Lobamba Technical Centre and the Mkhuzweni Technical Centre that is still under construction. In Lubombo there is the KaLanga Technical Centre. Simelane said they were still to secure the venue with Manzini region. There is still hope that CAF envoys, Mbabane Highlanders and Royal Leopard, may host their home CAF games in the country. Mbabane Highlanders will be hosting South Africa’s Royal AM in the CAF Confederation Cup in the preliminary round. Royal Leopard, on the other hand, were drawn against Madagascar CFFA Club in the CAF Champions League.

financially

EFA financially assisted Royal Leopard when they hosted their CAF Confederation Cup group stages games in South Africa last season. Sihlangu had also hosted their international matches at Mbombela Stadium and FNB Stadium in South Africa. “We are confident that the two clubs, Leopard and Highlanders, can still host their CAF games in the country as we are seeking temporary approval from CAF, especially after the work done in improving Somhlolo National Stadium. We are positive that this can still happen as most of the requirements have been met,” he said. The teams are set to spend over E100 000 each in hosting their games away from home.

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