Football

MBABANE - A one-match stadium approval for Somhlolo National Stadium has prompted the Eswatini Football Association to reduce its 2026 budget.

The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has unveiled a reduced budget, primarily due to the temporary approval for hosting international matches at Somhlolo National Stadium. The decision was announced during the general elective assembly held at the Hilton Garden Inn this past Sunday.

A significant feature of the new budget is a substantial reduction in travel and accommodation expenses. This allocation has been cut from E18.2 million in 2024 to E12 million, reflecting a saving of over E6 million.

EFA General Secretary Frederick Mngomezulu attributed this decrease directly to the possibility of the national team, Sihlangu, hosting matches locally.

General Secretary Frederick Mngomezulu attributed the reduced budget to the temporary approval of the Somhlolo National Stadium to host international games.

Sihlangu is expected to host Angola in the 2026 International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) World Cup Qualifiers. They then visit Cape Verde in the same month.

Full article available in our paper.

Somhlolo National Stadium has received temporary approval from the Confederation of African Football to host international matches. (Pic: File)