Swazi Observer

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FOREIGN COACHES, PLAYERS IN TRAVEL BAN DILEMMA

By Jongile Xuba | 2020-06-01

SOCCER - FOREIGN coaches and players in the MTN Premier League could be stranded in their respective home countries once football games resume next month due to the the close of borders in neighbouring South Africa.

Most foreign travellers coming into Eswatini through South Africa include those from Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe to name just a few.

Following the announcement by the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) CEO Frederick Mngomezulu that games would resume next month, the obstacle of a travel ban in neighbouring South Africa will sure make it tricky for the coaches and players to be back in time for the resumption of football.

Three foreign coaches in the Premier League namely Mbabane Swallows’ Honour Janza, Malanti Chiefs’ Christopher Tembo and Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows’ Tavaka Gumbo are all back home in their respective countries.

The players include Malanti’s Bongani Shabalala and Sandile Mazibuko, Mbabane Swallows’ Paito Dube

Malanti Chiefs head coach Christopher Tembo said he was happy with the EFA’s announcement but mentioned that with South Africa closing their borders from international travel until next year could leave them in a precarious position. “Firstly, we thank the EFA’s decision because we feel it will be good for football if the league resumes and is decided on the pitch. The only issue I have on that is that at the moment there are travel bans and it could mean I am not back in time. Football is back in July and South Africa plans to open borders next year, so this is a huge challenge for us at the moment,” he said. Tembo mentioned that he along with the club would figure out an alternative route into the country, which doesn’t require him passing through South Africa if it came to that point.

“We are also considering other routes into the country like using Mozambique if their borders open before South Africa. This is just one of the possible solutions we are looking at to tackle this problem,” he said. The coach voiced out his concern that players would need to be given adequate preparation time ahead of taking to the pitch. “From the time we stopped in mid-March until today is already more than two month and we don't have a definite date when teams will be allowed to start training. I think it’s better to start training first then, allow for four to six weeks of preparation,” he said.

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