Swazi Observer

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‘FOOTBALL IS EXPENSIVE’

By Mgcini Dube | 2024-04-28

SOCCER - Denver Sundowns Director and Premier League of Eswatini Chairman Mark Carmichael has decried the high cost of running football in the country, which has led to the team’s poor form on the field this season.

The chairman said this during an interview with the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS). He stated that there was a lot that needed to be put in place for football teams to produce positive results.

The soft-spoken and seasoned football administrator was reacting to cries about how his team was struggling, citing that this was due partly to financial constraints faced by the club.

“There are standards that are required for a team to survive with some of them being contracts of players, coaching personnel, and all those things that require funds.

“The economy is not going well for everyone, we are from the COVID-19 pandemic, sponsors are not coming through and the number of fans in stadiums is disappointing, so teams are bound to struggle.”

He added that the major problem he was facing as a sole director was lack of support and that made it difficult for him to run the team.

“Every team in the country is running around looking for directors, which is not for a professional league because if that director is struggling financially, then that means the team will automatically be in a crisis. In Spain, one of the clubs Barcelona is supported by their fans financially. it’s not a one-man show, which is why they have been stable for a while now,” he said.

Carmichael further assured their supporters that even though they were within the relegation zone, they would fight until the very end. This is not going to be an easy task for them. He added that it was great to know that some of Denver's die-hard supporters were concerned as they would call and advise management. He said this was comforting.

'Basop Ikappa Kappa' as Denver Sundowns are fondly known, have been plying their trade in the elite division for 15 years and they have been known for their carpet football and believing in youngsters over the years.

Their match against Mbabane Highlanders this afternoon is a crucial game with a loss leaving them with one foot in the grave, with three games left.

They are not the only side that is stuck in the relegation quagmire with cross town rivals Moneni Pirates also needing a win this afternoon. They will have to get the better of Royal leopard, who are challenging for the title, which will not be an easy task.

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