‘VIGOROUS PLAN TO IDENTIFY TALENT NEEDED’

In today’s From the horse’s Mouth feature, the Times Sports Desk (TSD) catches up with Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima.

Having completed over 100 days in office, the minister will always be under the spotlight as he is in charge of a crucial ministry, looking into the affairs of the youth and also happens to be involved in sports. Experts say your first 100 days plan should focus on initiating one-on-one meetings, building rapport and gaining critical insights. “Incoming leaders should use their first 100 days in office to demonstrate their ability to win the public’s trust, inspire and motivate public servants and maintain the backing of their own supporters and political allies,” reported the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

The likeable minister responds to issues ranging from stadium challenges to the Sports Bill. The Bill, which still awaits enactment into an Act, seeks, among other things, to professionalise sport to ensure it becomes a livelihood for athletes.

TSD: We appreciate your time minister. It feels good to catch up with you. Briefly take us through your journey in sports before becoming a minister.

Minister Nzima: In my early years I was involved mainly in soccer. I used to play football from primary through to high school. I also used to play for a team styled RDA FC campaigning at Sandleni Zonal League in the Shiselweni Region. Back then we lacked exposure, otherwise, I would have played at a higher level.

TSD: Interesting. You have already completed your first 150 days in office since your appointment on November 13, last year; please take us through your journey so far.

Minister Nzima: When I came on board, I was excited to see the support from the various state-owned enterprises under the ministry. After all, they are the ones on the ground doing all the spadework. They are very much dedicated to their work. I also ensure that I go out there to familiarise myself with what is happening on the ground.  I do attend even events that may look small because I want to gather information from grassroots level to understand the challenges and achievements.

TSD: In the events and activities you have been exposed to so far, what can you say are the biggest challenge(s) facing Eswatini sport?

Minister Nzima: Some of the challenges are more technical. The ground is not level. We have to rectify that so that the athletes can perform to their utmost best. This calls for policies to professionalise sports so that athletes can make a living through sport. We need to suck the recreational mentality out of their system.

TSD: Speaking of policies, can we see a breakthrough in terms of enacting the Sports Bill into an Act?

Minister Nzima: I do have hope and desire to see this dream being realised. It is one of my priorities to ensure that it happens before the end of my term. There won’t be much to celebrate at the end of my term if I can’t complete this task.

TSD: Another thorny issue is the underperformance of the country’s flagship football team, Sihlangu. As government pumps up to E5 million, what can be done to arrest the unwanted poor showing?

Minister Nzima: At this stage, we can’t say we need more money to perform better. We need a vigorous plan to identify good football talent. We need to go out there in rural communities to identify players and nurture this raw talent with the right technical skills to reach for the stars. Through Ingwenyama Cup, we have learnt to bring all communities on board in talent identification.

TSD: Before we let you go minister, emaSwati still cannot watch Sihlangu here in Eswatini due to the unavailability of an internationally-approved stadium? There is no denying that a stadium is a costly adventure that cannot be delivered overnight? At one point, there was a proposal to deliver a stadium through a private-public partnership. Where are we in addressing this embarrassing situation?

Minister Nzima: We are equally concerned about the current situation. As a ministry, our plan for the time being is to make sure that Somhlolo meets the required international standard. Even though we don’t have the actual date at the moment, we strongly believe that will happen very soon. In terms of the future, we are working very hard to have a stadium. We have strategies in place to deal with that and we are hopeful that will happen within the five years in office.

TSD: What is your message to the sports fraternity?

Minister Nzima: I can encourage the youth to consider sports as a profession not a recreational activity. If they work hard, they can earn a living through sports.

TSD: Thank you for your time minister. We hope to hear from you again before the end of your team.

Minister: My pleasure.

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