Football

MBABANE - Is it worth it? After more than a decade without a single World Cup qualifying win, Eswatini’s national football teams, especially Sihlangu, continue to drain millions from public and international funding—yet the results remain unchanged.

The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has confirmed spending approximately E18.2 million between 2023 and 2024 on travel, accommodation and logistics for the three national sides—the senior men’s team Sihlangu, the women’s senior team Sitsebe and the Under-20s. This figure forms part of broader funding from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)’s Forward Programme, which has channelled about E29 million to Eswatini, in addition to E5 million from the national government during the same period.

Despite this combined E52 million investment in national football operations and development projects, performance on the field has not reflected the expenditure. Sihlangu have not won a single FIFA World Cup qualifier in more than 10 years. During the 2026 qualifying campaign, the team played 10 matches—drawing three and losing seven—scoring just six goals while conceding 22. The side finished bottom of Group D, confirming another early elimination.

According to the EFA’s 2023/24 financial report, operational costs rose sharply due to travel and accommodation demands, leaving the association with a E4.9 million deficit. Compounding the issue, Eswatini’s main stadiums remain non-compliant with Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA standards, forcing the national team to play its ‘home’ fixtures outside the country. The most recent qualifiers were hosted at Mbombela Stadium, South Africa, adding to logistical expenses and denying local supporters access to the matches. Only one game was played at Somhlolo National Stadium—the Angola match where Sihlangu drew 2-2 recently.

In response to Sihlangu’s 3-0 defeat to Cape Verde on October 13, 2025, the SWALIMO Youth Command Unit issued a formal statement expressing what it described as ‘profound disappointment’ and calling for urgent government intervention in sports development. The group’s Secretary General, Cde Mzweleni ‘Topdawg’ Vilakati, said Eswatini’s continued failure was a direct consequence of chronic under-prioritisation of sports, noting that the inability to host home games had become a national shame.

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Banele ‘Stiga’ Ndzabandzaba during the World Cup qualifier match against Angola. (Pics: Courtesy)

The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has confirmed spending approximately E18.2 million between 2023 and 2024 on travel, accommodation and logistics for the three national sides—the senior men’s team Sihlangu, the women’s senior team Sitsebe and the Under-20s.