LOBAMBA — The Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, has lauded MTN for the improved standard of football in the country.
The minister made these remarks after witnessing the grand closing ceremony of the MTN Premier League at the Somhlolo National Stadium, where the champions, Nsingizini Hotspurs, played to a 1-all draw against Manzini Sea Birds.
Minister Nzima expressed his delight at witnessing such a high-quality match and noted his satisfaction with the increased spectator attendance seen throughout the season. He stated that the sponsor is clearly pleased with the improved standard of the game, while further emphasising that, in order to continue promoting football, the sport requires the support of more corporate sponsors. Furthermore, the minister took the opportunity to officially congratulate Nsingizini Hotspurs for their impressive achievement in winning a treble this season.
Echoing these sentiments, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter Simelane described the season as a highly competitive one. He remarked that the league was defined by teams that set a formidable pace, which unfortunately left some others behind. Simelane highlighted that the league is currently stacked with high-quality players and urged other teams to emulate the professional administration displayed by Nsingizini Hotspurs to ensure the continued growth of the sport.
(L-R) PLE Chairman Polycarp Dlamini, Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, MTN Eswatini Acting CEO Jerry Soko and EFA President Peter Simelane award Nsingizini Hotspurs with medals at Somhlolo National Stadium. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)