EFA SAFETY, SECURITY AND SAFEGUARDING WORKSHOP CONCLUDES SUCCESSFULLY

The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, successfully concluded a two-day Safety, Security and Safeguarding Workshop at Sigwaca House in Mbabane. Participants drawn from the Premier League of Eswatini, National First Division, and Eswatini Women’s Football League were awarded certificates of completion during the closing ceremony.

Among those in attendance were EFA Vice President Mr. Steve Horton, EFA Executive Member and Hhohho Regional Football Association representative Mr. Comfort Shongwe, as well as other football stakeholders. A total of 45 participants successfully completed the workshop.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, EFA Vice President Mr. Steve Horton commended the participants for taking their responsibilities seriously and investing in their professional development.

“At EFA, we remain committed to ensuring that all our competitions meet the highest standards of safety, security and safeguarding,” he said.

He further encouraged the officers to become ambassadors of best practice within their clubs and communities, emphasizing the importance of creating safe and secure football environments for all stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Ms. Nelisiwe Dladla expressed gratitude to the EFA for organizing the workshop and engaging experienced facilitators. She pledged that the knowledge and skills acquired would be effectively applied within their respective clubs.

“As participants, we acknowledge the EFA for making this workshop possible, and we commit ourselves to applying what we have learned in the execution of our duties,” said Dladla.

EFA National Safety and Security Officer Ms. Tengetile Ndlandla also extended her appreciation to the Association and the facilitators for sharing valuable insights and practical knowledge. She commended the participants for their dedication throughout the programme and encouraged them to implement the lessons learned to enhance safety standards at football matches across the country.

One of the workshop facilitators, Mr. Humphrey Thlobelo, expressed pride in the participants’ commitment and highlighted the critical role of safety, security and safeguarding in football operations. He also pledged continued support through follow-up visits aimed at assisting officers in implementing best practices.

“Safety, security and safeguarding are essential components in the successful delivery of a football match. There is nothing static about organizing a football match, as each event presents its own unique dynamics,” said Thlobelo.

The EFA will continue rolling out similar capacity-building programmes across the country. The next Safety, Security and Safeguarding Workshop will be conducted for clubs affiliated with the Shiselweni Regional Football Association on 18–19 June 2026 at King Sobhuza Stadium. Training sessions on both days will commence at 08:00 hrs.