Football

MBABANE – The estimated cost to make Somhlolo National Stadium fully compliant with international standards has been revealed, following the venue’s provisional approval by CAF last month.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted an inspection in mid-July and granted temporary approval for the stadium to host its category ‘A’ matches. This follows the government’s ongoing modernisation of the stadium, which began in 2022 after a ban was imposed. The initial ban was first enforced in 2019. This year, the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs revealed an estimate of spending around E90 000 on rehabilitation efforts.However, according to documents leaked to this publication, the continental governing body has recommended six key areas for improvement, including a new grandstand at the ‘no-man’s land’ and a floodlight system, as previously reported. A report from CAF Stadium Inspector, Dereck Blanckensee, and dated July 31, 2025 to the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) outlines the areas along with potential solutions. It also commended the government for the effort that has gone into renovating the stadium.

Firstly, CAF noted that the overall space in the dressing rooms is limited. “While the number of seats provided meets the minimum requirement of the CAF Stadium Regulations, the seating arrangement is narrow and cramped. There is insufficient space for essential functions such as technical team operations, kit management and storage, medical treatment and physiotherapy,” the letter states.

For this reason, CAF has requested the architectural drawings for the dressing rooms to help identify adjacent spaces that may be repurposed or propose operational adjustments to improve functionality without major structural change.

Another area for improvement is the ‘no-man’s-land’, where seating is required.

Full article available in our publication.

Another area for improvement at the stadium is the ‘no-man’s-land’, where seating is required. (Pic: One Man Wolf Pack)