Swazi Observer

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EFA PARTNERS WITH TOURISM AUTHORITY

By JONGILE XUBA | 2021-09-25

SOCCER – ESWATINI Football Association (EFA) and Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will see both organisations partnering towards promoting tourism and football simultaneously.

According to ETA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Linda Nxumalo, the signing of the MoU was beneficial to both parties, and would yield economic benefits for the economy during a ceremony that took place at Sigwaca House yesterday afternoon. The event also marked the third event of Eswatini’s participation in the 2021 World Tourism Month commemorations.

“We are honoured to unveil and solidify the Eswatini tourism sector’s commitment towards supporting the country’s sporting activities with the signing of an MoU between ETA and EFA. We have observed with sheer pride and great admiration the strides that the EFA has taken in putting Eswatini on the global map.

“We have hosted some of the continent’s finest footballing nations from Egypt, Tunisia and Senegal, amongst others.” “Therefore, with this MoU, we commit to endorsing the EFA’s efforts to host more tournaments and we pledge to orient local players on Eswatini’s tourism products so that they can continue to be knowledgeable and resourceful ambassadors of the beautiful kingdom when going against players from other parts of the world,” she said.

EFA President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane said the MoU had come at the perfect time, and would help the association grow both economically and socially,” he said. “The EFA believes that through this instrument, both organisations will be in a position to benefit socially, economically and otherwise. As we speak, the globe is experiencing the adverse effects of COVID -19 and other economic challenges and for the economy to recover from this catastrophe, such collaborations can give light towards the end of the tunnel.

“This MoU has been implemented at a perfect time when the country is scheduled to host the U-20 COSAFA boys championships in December. “The football family wishes to express its commitment in living the football spirit and our pride with the ETA as both organisations work diligently towards growing both football and tourism industries,” Simelane said. The football mother body recently launched its vaccination drive which is aimed at bringing back spectators into stadiums next season.

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