Eswatini Football Association
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FIFA MA COACHING COURSE OFFICIALLY CLOSED
The FIFA MA Youth Coaching Course was officially closed by the Chief executive Officer (CEO) of the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) in an event that was held at Emtfonjeni Building in Ezulwini. When addressing the audience, the CEO congratulated the audience for successfully completing the course and urged the participants to implement what they have learned to their respective clubs. “Let take this opportunity to congratulate you for successfully completing this course and also urge you to implement what you have learned to your respective clubs”, said the CEO of the NFAS. He also highlighted that this was an important course as the participants are the ones coaching the youth players who are the future of the game. The CEO also encouraged the coaches by telling them that, in football, the sky is the limit as one can be a junior coach today, but in future the very same coach can be a coach of the national team.
The FIFA Instructor, Mr. Serame Letsoaka congratulated the participants for their cooperation during the course and also the NFAS for the wonderful hospitality that he received whilst in the country. He also urged them to implement what they have learnt to their respective clubs. “I would like to thank the participants for their cooperation during the course and also the NFAS for the hospitality that I received since I arrived”, he said. The FIFA instructor also urged the respective Swazi football clubs to put more effort in developing their junior teams as this is where the future of the game is found. “Let me also urge the respective Swazi football clubs to up the gear in as far as player development is concerned as this will have a positive effect in the long run as there will be enough pool to select players that can be selected to play for the national team”, he said.
The participants also showed their appreciation to the FIFA Instructor and the NFAS for facilitating this FIFA Youth Coaching Course. Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr. Mbongwa Dlamini thanked the FIFA Instructor and the NFAS for giving them this opportunity to be part of this course. “ As participants, we would like to thank the FIFA Instructor and the NFAS for facilitating such a wonderful course and we promise that we will implement what we have learnt to our respective clubs”, he said. This event ended with the issuing of the FIFA Certificates to the participants.
THE FIFA MA YOUTH COACHING COURSE OFFICIALLY OPENED
The FIFA MA Youth Coaching Course was officially opened by the President of the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) on Monday 10th July 2017 at Emtfonjeni Building in Lobamba. Other dignitaries present during this event was the FIFA Instructor, Mr Serame Letsoaka, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NFAS; Mr Frederick Mngomezulu, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Premier League of Swaziland (PLS); Mr Petros Vilakati, the Technical Director (TD) of the NFAS; Mr Bhekisisa Mkhonta, the Participants and the Media. This is the first FIFA Course under the Youth Coaching Course.
When addressing the audience, the President of the NFAS highlighted that it is very important to develop the game of football more especially at the youth stage. “ It is very important to develop football and most especially from the youth stage as it lays a good foundation for the sustainability of the beautiful game as chances are high that with solid foundation in as far as player development is concerned, the players will be more successful”, the President of the NFAS said. The President of the NFAS was also very excited to see familiar faces in this event as it was a sign of commitment to those participants and moreover, they are doing a great job in assisting the NFAS in developing football. Lastly, Senator Adam Mthethwa told the participants that he hopes that the participants will plough back what they will learn from this course back to their respective clubs.
Also, the FIFA Instructor had some few words to share with the audience. He highlighted that he was very much honoured to be the instructor of such an important course as the future of the beautiful game is with the youth. “I am very much honoured and privileged to be here and I also commend the NFAS for putting this course in collaboration with FIFA”, said the FIFA Instructor. He also elaborated the importance of youth development in the sport as he compared football to a school due to the fact that it takes a lot of hours to put up a player. “Football is like a school, as it takes about 10 000 hours to put up a player at his/ her best”, he said. Mr. Serame also encouraged the country to invest early on players as there will be more sustainability in the local game of football. He also noted that Swaziland has a lot of potential in football compared to other countries, and with good foundation, the local game of football can have proper growth. Lastly, he also highlighted that the PLS is a strong league compared to other leagues which is an indication on its own that the local game is growing to greater heights.
This course is attended by Youth Coaches from the PLS Clubs, Regions and other personnel involved in youth coaching. The course is expected to end on Friday, 14th July 2014.
SITSEBE SAMHLEKAZI SAFELY RETURNS HOME
The Senior Women’s National Team, Sitsebe SaMhlekazi is back home from Lesotho after playing two (2) friendly matches with the Senior Lesotho Women National Team in Lesotho. These international friendly matches were part of the national team’s preparations for the COSAFA Women Competition to be held in Zimbabwe.
The first match was played on Saturday, and Sitsebe SaMhlekazi won by 2-1. Both goals for the local side were scored by Cebile Shongwe. On Sundaymorning, the second international friendly match was played and the local Women’s National Team lost by 2-1. The goal scorer for Sitsebe SaMhlekazi was Mazwi Dube.
In as far as the Head Coach Mduduzi Nxumalo is concerned, this trip was a success as they were able to see all the players in a competitive international match. “This was a successful trip as we were able to see all the players that made the trip as we are preparing for a national team that will represent the country very well in the upcoming COSAFA Women Competition to be held in Zimbabwe”, said the Head Coach. All the twenty-one (21) players that were part of the delegation were given an opportunity to play during these international friendly matches.
SITSEBE SAMHLEKAZI IS READY FOR LESOTHO SENIOR WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
The Senior Women’s National Team, Sitsebe SaMhlekazi is ready for the two (2) international friendly matches against Lesotho in Maseru this coming weekend. Currently the national team is in camp and these 2 international friendly matches are part of their preparations for the Senior Women’s COSAFA Cup Competition to be held in Zimbabwe as from the 13th -24th September 2017.
According to the national team’s Head Coach, Mduduzi Nxumalo, they are now ready for the international friendly matches as they are looking forward to a successful trip. “The team has been in camp for the past 2 weeks, and everything is ok as the players are responding very well to the technics and tactics in training”, said the Head Coach. Currently the national team is training three (3) times a day at the Somhlolo National Stadium and the Technical Centre in Lobamba. The Head Coach also acknowledged the support that the national team is getting from the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS).
The Head Coach’s words were echoed by Sitsebe SaMhlekazi’s Captain, Sibongile Ngwenya who also highlighted that they are looking forward to the trip to Lesotho and the match itself. “All is well in the camp as we are responding very well to the coaches training sessions and the spirit amongst the players is very high”. She also urged the Nation to support the Women National Team as they are taking these international friendly matches against Lesotho seriously considering the fact that they are preparing for an important competition. “We are taking these international friendly matches very serious considering the fact that we are preparing for the COSAFA Women’s Competition where we want to represent the country very well”, she said. The national team is scheduled to return back home on Monday, 10th July 2017.
THE 2017 SPTC CHARITY CUP TOURNAMENT LAUNCH
On Saturday, 1st July 2017, the 2017 SPTC Charity Cup was launched at the Mbabane Government Hospital. Present during this event was the representative of the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), Honourable Minister Dumisani Ndlangamandla, representative of the Minister of Sports; Culture and Youth Affairs; Honourable Minister Owen Nxumalo, representative of the Minister of Health; Honourable Minister Minnie Magagula, representative of the Hhohho Regional Administrator, representative of the Mayor of Mbabane, the football family, management and staff of the Swaziland Post and Telecommunications (SPTC) and the members of the media. This year’s launch was done at the Mbabane Government Hospital simply because SPTC has adopted the men’s ward of the hospital, which is ward 12.
When making his remarks, the DPM’s representative, Honourable Minister Dumisani Ndlangamandla thanked SPTC and the football family for supporting His Majesty’s Government in improving lives in the country. “SPTC and the football family, has made it a point over the years to improve the lives of the Swazi Citizens more especially the vulnerable people, and His Majesty’s Government urges other organisations to come on board”, he said. He also highlighted that the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland has prioritized health, of which it is good to see organisations like SPTC to do likewise of which other organisations are urged to support health related initiatives. Lastly, he urged the nation to make the 2017 SPTC Charity Cup Competition a huge success.
The Honourable Minister, Winnie Magagula who was representing the Honourable Minister of Health, reminded the audience that SPTC was the first parastatal to support charity and that was in 2001, of which it was good that the organisation was still doing so. She also thanked the football family and SPTC for their commitment towards charity. “Thanks to the football family and SPTC for their commitment towards charity”, she said. As for the launching at the Mbabane Government Hospital, she told the audience that the game of football is being played by healthy people and that is the message sent to the world. Finally, she wished all the participating clubs the best of luck during the completion.
The representative of the Honourable Minister of Sports; Culture and Youth Affairs; Honourable Minister Owen Nxumalo, thanked SPTC for partnering with His Majesty’s Government in alleviating poverty and improving the welfare of the nation and also for investing in football for the past 16 years. ‘’On behalf of His Majesty’s Government, I would like to thank SPTC for partnering with His Majesty’s Government in alleviating poverty and improving the welfare of the nation”, he said. He also acknowledged the marriage between the football family and SPTC as it has a positive impact to the economy of the country. He also urged all stakeholders to make this competition a huge success.
Speaking on behalf of the football family was the Vice President of the National Football association of Swaziland (NFAS) and the Chairman of the Premier League of Swaziland (PLS), Mr Victor Gamedze who expressed the football family’s appreciation in as far as the marriage between the NFAS/PLS and SPTC is concerned. ‘’As a football family, we are proud of our marriage with SPTC and we are fully committed in this marriage’’, he said. He also highlighted that the participating clubs in this year’s edition are, Mbabane Highlanders FC, Mbabane Swallows FC and Royal Leopards FC. The fourth and final club will be the winner between Manzini Sundowns FC and Moneni Pirate FC.
The Managing Director (MD) of SPTC, Mr Petros Dlamini referred this competition to a tournament of hope and spirit of togetherness. ‘’ This competition has improved the quality of life to the society thus it is referred to as the tournament of hope’’, he said. The MD also highlighted his excitement in the transformation of football in the country as our teams are performing very well in the inter-continental competition. He also thanked the collaboration between SPTC and the Ministry of Health for this year’s project. As for choosing ward 12, he highlighted that they want men to have hope and get well when they come to the Mbabane Government Hospital. In as far as the business side of the project is concerned; he said that tele medic’s infrastructure is part of the project as it has a lot of advantages like cost efficiency and teleconferencing just to mention few. ‘’ The slogan for the competition is Yam’Nawe’’, said the MD. Lastly, he thanked SPTC’s loyal customers for their support thus being able to support football. ‘’Let me ask all teams to embrace the spirit of charity by being involved in the charity activities’’, he concluded.
This competition will symbolise the commencement of the 2017/2018 football season and it is scheduled to take place on the 27th August 2017. Yam’Nawe!!!!
SIHLANGU SEMNIKATI OFF TO RUSTERNBURG FOR THE COSAFA CASTLE CUP COMPETITION
The Senior Men’s National Team, Sihlangu SeMnikati left the country by road to Rustenburg, North West Province in the Republic of South Africa for the COSAFA Castle Cup Competition. The first match of the Nation’s Pride is on Sunday, 2nd July 2017 at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace. Kick-off is at 1930hrs.
During a farewell function that was held at the National Football association of Swaziland’s (NFAS), the Minister of Sports; Culture and Youth Affairs; Honourable Minister David Ngcamphalala, wished the Sihlangu SeMnikati the best of luck in the tournament and a safe trip to and from Rustenburg. “As you leave the country today, I wish you a safe trip to and from Rustenburg and also good luck for the tournament”, he said. The Honourable Minister also assured the National Team’s Head Coach, Pieter De Jongh that the Swazi nation is fully behind him and the National Team. He also wished Mbabane Swallows FC the best of luck on Sunday, as they will also represent the Swazi Nation in the CAF Confederation Cup match against CS Sfaxien from Tunisia.
The President of the NFAS echoed the Honourable Minister’s words, as he also wished the National Team the best of luck in the tournament and a safe trip to and from Rustenburg. The President of the NFAS also thanked His Majesty’s Government for the support to the National Team. “As the NFAS, we would like to thank His Majesty’s Government for the full support to the National Team”, he said. The Head of delegation is the NFAS’s Vice President, Dr Comfort Shongwe. The Nation’s Pride is scheduled to return be back home on the 10th July 2017. Below are the players who are part of the National team for the 2017 COSAFA Castle Cup Competition:
Goalkeepers
- Sidumo Vilakati
- Phephisani Msibi
Defenders
- Machawe Dlamini
- Siboniso Malambe
- Siboniso Ndzabandzaba
- Samkeliso Gumbi
- Sifiso Nkambule
- Phumlani Dlamini
- Sabelo Gamedze
Midfielders
- Mxolisi Luhele
- Mphile Tsabedze
- Sifiso Matse
- Xolani Sibandze
- Menzi Mamba
- Menzi Sithole
- Sifiso Mazibuko
Strikers
- Phinda Dlamini
- Bonginkosi Dlamini
- Felix Badenhorst
- Simanga Shongwe
LOBAMBA NATIONAL AND NTUTHUKWENI PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE 2017 NFAS FUTSAL CHAMPIONS
The 2017 Primary Schools Futsal Championships came to an end on Wednesday, 28th June 2017 at the OlympiAfrica Courts in Lobamba. This competition commenced at Zonal then Regional and finally National Level. Both boys and girls participated in these championships. In the boys tournament, only U13 boys were eligible to participate where as in the girls category, only the U15 girls were allowed to participate.
During the final day of the championships, which was the national championship, a total of twelve ten (10) schools participated under the boys section and there schools were divided into two groups of five. As for the girls section, a total of eight (8) schools participated and there were two groups of four. These games were played in a round robin format with the group winners and runners –ups qualifying for the semi-finals.
In the boys section, Lobamba National; Sydney Williams; Lozitha National and John Wesley Primary Schools qualified for the semi-finals stage. As for the girls section, Lobamba National; Ntuthukweni; Kwaluseni Central and Lozitha Primary schools qualified for the semi-finals stage. The results in the semi-finals stage were as follows:
Boys Competition
- Lobamba National 4: Lozitha National 0
- Sydney Williams 1: John Wesley 3
Girls Competition
- Lobamba National 2: Ntuthukweni 3
- Kwaluseni Central 0: Lozitha 2
The winners of the above matches qualified to the final stage whilst the losers qualified for the 3rd place play offs matches respectively.
The losers’ finals results were as follows:
Boys Competition
- Sydney Williams 5: Lozitha National 4
Girls Competition
- Lobamba National 3: Kwaluseni Central 1
The finals’ results were as follows:
Boys Competition
Lobamba National 10: John Wesley 0
Girls Competition
Ntuthukweni 3: Lozitha 1
These results imply that Lobamba National and Ntuthukweni Primary Schools are the 2017 National Futsal Champions respectively.
These championships were a huge success as the main mandate was to develop football from grassroots level. The children also enjoyed themselves throughout the championships. Samkeliso Dlamini, a grade 6 student at Lobamba National Primary School, said that he benefited a lot in these competitions as he enjoyed himself and he was also able to flex his muscles. “I enjoyed myself and also benefited health wise as I was able to flex my muscles”, said Samkeliso Dlamini. This lad displayed top class Futsal artistry and he also highlighted that football was his favourite sport with the Senior National Team and Mbabane Swallows Captain, Tony Tsabedze being his role model.” I like Tony Tsabedze and I dream of playing for Chelsea FC in the English Premiership.”, he said. This boy’s words were echoed by Senele Nhlabatsi, a young skilful girl from Ntuthukweni Primary School who also said she enjoyed herself during these championships. “With more competitions like this, more talent can be unveiled and also we as children, can have a better platform to enjoy and express our talent”, she said.
Partnerships
The NFAS urges its stakeholders to support this football development programme as it plays a vital role in the development of football in the country. Also, this football development programme contributes immensely in the development of the Swazi Child as other personal skills of the children are being enriched. Such development programmes needs a lot of collaborations from different stakeholders in order to maximise their effectiveness in society.
SENATOR ADAM MTHETHWA RETAINS THE PRESIDENTIAL POSITION
The National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) held its Ordinary General Assembly on Sunday, 25th June 2017 at Sibane Hotel in Ezulwini. The highlight of this meeting was the elections of the Executive Members of the NFAS for the next 4 years. These elections were conducted by Mr Mbuso Simelane who is a senior Mbabane based attorney. The positions that were contested for are, the Presidency, Vice- Presidency (2 positions) and Executive Committee Members (2 positions).
The nominees for the Presidential position were Senator Adam Mthethwa who got 28 votes, Mr Timothy Shongwe who got 11 votes and Mr Mashumi Shongwe who got 9 votes. These results confirmed Senator Adam Mthethwa as the President of the NFAS for the next 4 years. “I am very much humbled to the football family for their confidence in me, by voting for me to be the President of the NFAS for the next four years”, said Senator Adam Mthethwa after retaining his position.
As for the Vice President positions, there were 4 nominees who were, Mr Nicodimus Mashwama, Dr Comfort Shongwe, Johannes Siboza and Peter Simelane. The winners were Dr Comfort Shongwe who got 38 votes and Mr Peter Simelane who got 31 votes. Mr Nicodimus Mashwama got 18 votes and Mr Siboza got 8 votes.
The last 2 positions to be elected for on the day was that of the Executive Committee Members which were contested for by, Mr Elphas Ngcamphalala, Mr Philip Dlamini, Mr Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, Mr Jerry Gamedze, Mr Steve Horton, Mr Njabulo Mabuza, Mr Peter Magagula and Mr Sabelo Kunene. The eventual winners for these 2 positions were Mr Philip Dlamini after round 2 with 28 votes and MP Sikhumbuzo Dlamini with the same number of votes after round 4. This was after no candidate was able to have the required number of votes in the 3rd round.
PREVIEW OF THE 2016/2017 MTN PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON
Mbabane Swallows FC is the current Champions of the MTN Premier League after winning all their league matches. Out of twenty two (22) league matches, they were able to win nineteen (19) and drew only three (3) matches. This resulted in the club accumulating a total of sixty points (60). They claimed the league with twenty three (23) points ahead of the runners up club which is Young Buffaloes FC. To be precise, it was a one horse race as Mbabane Swallows played their last match as champions.
This club was able to score a total of fifty eight (58) goals and conceded fifteen (15) goals. They scored the highest number of goals and conceded the least number of goals in the 2016/2017 MTN Premier League season. The top goal scorer for the past season was Mbabane Swallows prolific striker, Sabelo Ndzinisa with nineteen (19) goals. “This success was due to hard work and the support from the Mbabane Swallows family”, he said after being presented his awards. Their championship triumph equalled the 17-year-old record of their rival, Mbabane Highlanders FC who ended the 1999/2000 season unbeaten in the league that was then sponsored by Castle Lager.
The Coach of the Season who is Mbabane Swallows FC’s Head Coach, Thabo Vilakati attested this success to proper planning that they did as a team. “This success was achieved through proper planning and hard work from the pre-season up to date. As a team, we had an early pre-season than our competitors and we focused on one match at a time”, said Thabo Vilakati. Their mandate was to get maximum points per match of which that was achieved and the rest was history. “In the game of football, consistency is key, and that’s what made us to be pace setters from the first to the last matches of the league”, he added. The Head Coach also highlighted that; they kept on reminding the players about their mandate as a team in order for them to stay focus, and also their level of fitness was closely monitored throughout the season.
For such a record, Mbabane Swallows FC also received congratulatory remarks from the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs who said, “Mbabane Swallows FC has proven that they are miles ahead of their competitors in the league and finishing the campaign unbeaten is another milestone in their ever shining stars”. The sponsors, MTN Swaziland also congratulate the crowned champions and also highlighted that they are very much happy with the partnership that they have with football as a brand.
SENIOR WOMEN'S NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM STARTS PREPARATIONS FOR THE COSAFA WOMEN’S FOOTBALL COMPETITION
The Senior Women National Team (Sitsebe SaMhlekazi) will as from Sunday, 25th June 2017 starts its preparations for the COSAFA Women’s Football Competition to be hosted by Zimbabwe as from the 13th -24th September 2017. This initial training camp will be for two (2) weeks as it will end after the international friendly match against the Basotho Senior Women National Team at home, which will be played on the second weekend of July 2017. The camp base will be at Mphophoma in Malkerns.
After this camp, the national team will have the second and third training camps respectively. The second training camp is scheduled to take place as from the 11th-23rd July 2017 with the third one as from the 31st -13th August 2017. The final training camp will commence as from the 21st August 2017 up to the day the national team returns from the COSAFA Women Competition. It is planed that Sitsebe SaMhlekazi will have some international friendly matches during these training camps and more information pertaining those games will follow in due course.
Support
The National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) urges its stakeholders and the nation at large to support Sitsebe SaMhlekazi as it prepares and compete in the COSAFA Women’s Football Competition. The list of players to report for the initial training camp is as follows:
|
Name |
Club |
|
Gcinile Dlamini |
Leopard |
|
Sukoluhle Sibandze |
Buffaloes |
|
Nokwanda Mamba |
Buffaloes |
|
Sibongile Ngwenya |
Buffaloes |
|
Nokuthula Dlamini |
Buffaloes |
|
Lungile Dlamini |
Buffaloes |
|
Sikuphi Khumalo |
Buffaloes |
|
Nonhlanhla Mazibuko |
Leopard |
|
Mazwi Dube |
Wanderers |
|
Eunice Gule |
Divas |
|
Bonsile Sihlongonyane |
Buffaloes |
|
Nombuso Mamba |
Mbekelweni |
|
Tibonile Dlamini |
Wanderers |
|
Sikholiwe Magagula |
Wanderers |
|
Nqobile Dlamini |
Buffaloes |
|
Phumzile Dlamini |
Leopard |
|
Nosimilo Khumalo |
Leopards |
|
Buhle Mdluli |
Buffaloes |
|
Celiwe Nkambule |
Buffaloes |
|
Cebile Shongwe |
Buffaloes |
|
Simphiwe Simelane |
Leopard |
|
Ncamsile Shongwe |
Tuks |
|
Eunice Mbuli |
Leopard |
|
Nomkhosi Dlamini |
Leopard |
|
Nomvula Sanga |
Wanderers |
|
Sylvia Martins |
Buffaloes |
|
Welile Nxumalo |
Wanderers |
|
Noxolo Malinga |
Buffaloes |
|
Bonsile Sihlongonyane |
Buffaloes |
|
Sihle Simelane |
TUT |
|
Nompumelelo Magagula |
Leopards |
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