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MP CALLS FOR POW UPGRADE

17/04/2024 10:33:00 Machawe Fakudze

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MBABANE – “It is a disgrace that we do not have a stadium in the city.”

These were the words of Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Welcome Dlamini in a post-tournament interview at Msunduza Sports Ground, this past Sunday. Dlamini witnessed the finals of the E10 000 Mbabane East MP Easter Tournament between The Garage Social team and Masters Social team. The Manzini Wanderers Captain Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule-coached side, The Garage, lost the match 2-1. The MP said he was happy with the standard of football and the sportsmanship which was displayed by all the clubs. “I would like to assure my fellow community members that this would now be an annual tournament and I am hopeful that the next edition will be bigger and better,” Dlamini said.

He was then asked about the burning issue of the lack of a proper stadium, which could meet the standards of both the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). In his response, the MP said they were concerned as parliamentarians, but the issue was being dealt by the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs. Dlamini said he would propose that the Municipal Council of Mbabane improve the Prince of Wales Sports Ground to at least host the Mbabane derby between Mbabane Highlanders and Mbabane Swallows. “It’s a disgrace that we do not have a stadium in the city and I will advocate for that it is improved,” Dlamini added.

He further said initially, the venue was constructed to host cricket games and it was for that reason it was called the Oval. It is worth mentioning that the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) is faced with a venues dilemma after the closure of the second biggest football arena in the country, the Mavuso Sports Centre. The venue is currently undergoing rehabilitation on the VIP box. The Somhlolo National Stadium is also closed for MTN Premier League games.