MBABANE – The value of Eswatini’s national football team has surged to over E20 million.
This reflects one of the strongest periods of growth in recent years. This is according to the latest assessment by Transfermarkt.com, the global football valuation platform known for calculating player worth using performance data, age, potential and contract length.
Only a few years ago, in 2021, Sihlangu Semnikati were valued at a modest E3.5 million, but that figure has now ballooned almost sixfold.
Analysts attribute this rise to the increasing number of local players gaining international recognition through major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON), the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup Qualifiers, the African Nations Championship(CHAN) , Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup, Confederation of African Football (CAF), Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, which have all exposed Eswatini talent to wider audiences. The more a player features in such competitions, coupled with strong statistics at club level, the more likely their market value increases.
More than 14 Sihlangu players are now officially valued on Transfermarkt. The expensive is valued at E10 million while the lowest is at E500 000.
Leading the group is the Eswatini international who turns out for Chippa United, Justice Figuareido, carrying an impressive worth of E10 million.
Nsingizini Hotspurs’ versatile star Kwakhe Thwala and Manzini Sea Birds playmaker Philani Mkhonto follow at E1.4 million each.
Several others, including Junior Magagula, Mzwandile Mabelesa, Simanga Masangane and Gift Gamedze, hold valuations of E1 million and all play for Royal Leopard. Nsingizini Hotspurs also boast Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini at E1 million, while teammates Khanyakezwe Shabalala, Nkosingiphile Shongwe and Thubelihle Mavuso are valued at E500 000 each.
Young Buffaloes contribute through Innocent ‘Makhehleni’ Dlamini at E1 million and Siphosethu Mabilisa at E500 000, while Mbabane Swallows Captain Newman Philiso is also valued at E500 000.
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Only a few years ago, in 2021, Sihlangu Semnikati were valued at a modest E3.5 million, but that figure has now ballooned almost sixfold.