Football

MBABANE – Dust gathers on Mafutseni’s earmarked site as delays persist, with a crucial 99-year lease agreement now emerging as one key stumbling block.

Earlier claims suggested funding delays linked to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) had stalled the eagerly-awaited Mafutseni Techncial Centre. However, it has since emerged that Eswatini must purportedly first secure a 99-year lease agreement, a prerequisite for accessing the funding required to construct the technical centre.

The facility is earmarked for Nkonga at Mafutseni, within the Manzini Region, and will become the country’s fifth technical centre. Existing facilities are located at Lobamba, Nhlangano at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, KaLanga and Mkhuzweni near Buhleni. The latter, completed most recently in the Hhohho Region, is valued at approximately E35 million.

Despite an earlier call for expressions of interest, which closed on April 26, 2024 construction is yet to commence. The region had long been said to have a facility established even dating to when their late Chairman Johannes ‘Ace’ Siboza was still in office. Initially, it was expected to be built around Khalangilile near Luyengo.

Manzini Regional Football Association (MRFA) Chairman Vusie ‘Mavura’ Hall said the delay continues to disadvantage the region, which lacks a dedicated venue to host matches.

“It is affecting us as Manzini to not have our own playing field to host games. This is more so because Manzini Club is no longer available, while Mavuso is costly and frequently hosts elite fixtures. Nonetheless, we have been assured by the EFA leadership that work will begin soon,” he said.

Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane said paperwork must be put in place. “Paperwork must be put in place so that funds can be released by FIFA. Otherwise FIFA is waiting on us,” Simelane said.

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The area earmarked for the stalled eagerly-awaited Mafutseni Techncial Centre. (Pic: Ntombikayise Nkambule)