Swazi Observer

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PLE, EFA MEET MINISTER NZIMA

By MGCINI DUBE | 2025-01-24

SOCCER - MINISTER of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima reportedly held a meeting with the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) and the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) to try and address the various challenges currently facing football in the country.

The meeting, which took place at Sigwaca House, is said to have lasted several hours and concluded late at 10:30pm on Wednesday.

According to an impeccable source close to the matter, the minister initiated the discussion to gain a better understanding of the state of Eswatini football and the issues affecting its growth and development.

“The minister wanted to get a clear picture of the challenges faced by football. We hope that, with this understanding, the ministry can help in finding solutions to some of these pressing problems that threaten to lower the standard of the sport,” revealed the source.

Among the topics discussed was the ongoing case involving Manzini Wanderers.
The minister reportedly expressed his belief that the best way forward would be to involve an arbitrator to resolve the matter.

Nzima is said to have suggested bringing in an independent body, possibly from neighbouring countries, to handle the case fairly and impartially.

“This approach could normalise the situation and ensure justice is served,” shared the source.

Expressed
The source also highlighted that the minister’s intervention was well-received by many, who had expressed the view that Nzima needed to step in to help resolve the challenges facing the sport.
Eswatini Football Association Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe declined to comment, requesting to be contacted later.

However, EFA President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane assured stakeholders that the association was committed to addressing the challenges.

He was speaking during an interview with Eswatini TV sports news bulletin.
“We are happy that some teams like Mbabane Swallows are doing their best to bring stability. EFA is willing to listen to teams that need help,” he said.

Premier League of Eswatini acting CEO Petros ‘Pat’ Vilakati confirmed the meeting but could not go into details.

“It is true that we had a meeting with the minister of sports, culture, and youth affairs, but the rightful people to provide a full update are the Eswatini Football Association, as they coordinated the meeting,” he said.

Engage
The minister’s efforts to engage with the EFA and PLE demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the challenges facing Eswatini football.

The minister said he could comment at the appropiate time.

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