HIS MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT AND THE FOOTBALL FAMILY ACKNOWLEGDES ESWATINI BANK
The 17th edition of the Eswatini Bank Cup “idlala kamnadzi’ was officially launched by the Honourable Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth affairs Hon. Harris Bulunga in a specious event that was held at the Royal Swazi Spa Convention Centre in Ezulwini. This event was also attended by the President of the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), Mr. Adam Mthethwa, EFA Executive Committee Members, Eswatini Bank Board Members and Management just to mention but a few. The Honourable Minister Harris Bulunga on behalf of His Majesty’s Government acknowledged the Eswatini Bank for partnering with football over the years. “I wish to start off here today Mr. M.D., by expressing, as Government, to the Bank for once again partnering with football and this time for a historic total prize money of E 3.4 Million”, Bulunga said. This is an increase of half a million Emalangeni from the previous edition. The Hon. Minister also express his delight as the bank didn’t only invest on men’s football but also invested on women’s and youth football. “In addition, by also continuously investing in juniors’ tournament (U-20) and women’s cup, the bank has aligned itself with Government’s goal of making sport accessible to all members of the society, known as Sports for all”, Bulunga said.
As a commitment towards the development of sports in the country, the Hon. Minister highlighted that a lot of ground has been covered in as far as the Sports Bill is concerned and also the rehabilitation of the Somhlolo National Stadium is one of the priorities of the Ministry. The Honourable Minister also acknowledged all stakeholders involved in making the Eswatini Bank Cup to be a memorable competition and also asked the football teams to compete in the spirit of fair play.
The football family also acknowledged the bank for growing with football. This was stated by the President of the EFA, Mr. Adam Mthethwa. “As football family, we would like to advance, in special standing, our profound gratitude to Eswatini Bank for the now traditional competition in our annual datebook; the Eswatini Bank Cup. 17 years of partnership and religious investment to the development of the game of football is indeed humbling and deserving a special impression”, Mthethwa said. The President also highlighted that the football family will continue to committee in protecting the investment of the bank to football as it provide a perfect platform of unearthing football talent. More credit was also given to the bank for the continuous investment towards the development of women football in the country. “We are very ecstatic at the increased investment to women football, a gesture surely, that will be a great driver to increase the number and attractiveness of the women’s football game”, Mthethwa said.