MJINGO AND LOBAMBA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOLS CROWNED EFA CAF AFRICAN SCHOOLS CHAMPIONS 2026

Mjingo High School and Lobamba National High School have been crowned champions of the Girls’ and Boys’ categories, respectively, in the Under-15 EFA CAF African Schools Football Championship 2026 following a prize presentation ceremony held on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.

Mjingo High School claimed the Girls’ title after finishing at the top of the standings with 28 points from 13 matches, while Lobamba National High School dominated the Boys’ category, amassing an impressive 49 points from 18 matches.

In the Boys’ category, Lobamba National High School finished ahead of Ngwane Park High School, which collected 45 points, and Swazi National High School, which finished third with 38 points. In the Girls’ category, Mjingo High School narrowly secured the title ahead of Langeni High School and St Mary’s High School, both of which finished with 26 points.

The EFA awarded a total prize package of E49,000 to participating schools. Champions in both categories received E5,000, a trophy and 25 gold medals, while runners-up received E4,000, a trophy and 25 silver medals. Third-placed schools earned E3,500, fourth-placed schools E3,000, and all other participating schools E2,000 each. In addition, every school received at least three soccer balls to support training and player development.

EFA General Secretary Mr Frederick Mngomezulu congratulated the champions and commended all participating schools, teachers and learners for contributing to the growth of the programme. He reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to strengthening school football as a foundation for developing future national team players.

Mngomezulu highlighted the importance of equipping teachers, who also serve as coaches, with the necessary technical knowledge and skills through coaching courses organised by the EFA. He further revealed that the Association was exploring initiatives to train young people as referees, broadening opportunities for participation in football beyond playing.

“What is important is that we build elite players for tomorrow, for Sihlangu as well as Sitsebe. We can only achieve this through the schools. We will also visit schools to check that the students are being trained,” Mngomezulu said.

Amateur and Grassroots Committee Chairperson Mr Aaron Mavimbela also congratulated all participants, emphasising that the programme goes beyond competition by laying a foundation for the long-term development of football in the country.

Mavimbela thanked parents, teachers and the Ministry for their contributions to the tournament’s success, assuring them of the EFA’s continued support for school and grassroots football.

“The main goal is improving football in the country. Through a programme like this, even at a young age, you learn to cooperate with your coaches and educators. You will reach your destination, and we will find ourselves reaching international competitions,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of teachers who also serve as coaches, Mr Felix Vilakati of Kobe Ramokgadi expressed appreciation for the EFA’s support over the past three years, noting the progress made and the dedication demonstrated by young players throughout the programme.

Vilakati commended the Association for organising playing fields and providing competent referees, which have contributed to the smooth running of the competition. He also welcomed the introduction of the players’ registration platform, explaining that it had helped teachers accurately capture players’ age groups and promote fairness in the competition.

The EFA CAF African Schools Football Championship remains an important platform for identifying and nurturing young talent, strengthening the connection between education and sport, and providing learners with opportunities to develop their football abilities in a structured environment.

Through its continued investment in school football, coaching education, player registration and grassroots competitions, the EFA is working to establish a sustainable pathway for young players to progress towards national team representation and contribute to the future success of football in Eswatini.