EFA COMPLETES HISTORIC NATIONWIDE SAFETY, SECURITY AND SAFEGUARDING PROGRAMME
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has successfully concluded its inaugural nationwide Safety, Security and Safeguarding Workshop Programme following the final regional workshop held for the southern section of the Hhohho Regional Football Association (HRFA) at Sigwaca House in Mbabane.
The two-day workshop marked the final phase of a nationwide initiative that saw Safety, Security, and Safegurding Officers from the Premier League, First Division League, Women’s Football League and all Regional Football Associations equipped with the knowledge and practical skills required to enhance safety, security and safeguarding standards across Eswatini football.
The HRFA Chairman Dr. Comfort Shongwe applauded the Eswatini Football Association for introducing a programme that addresses one of football’s most important, yet often overlooked, areas. Dr. Shongwe emphasized that football extends far beyond the ninety minutes played on the pitch. He noted that the game brings communities together, creates employment and business opportunities, stimulates local economies and contributes to national development. However, he stressed that none of these benefits can be fully realised if players, officials, supporters and other stakeholders do not feel safe when attending football matches. The chairperson words were echoed by the HRFA’s General Secretary Mr. Ntokozo Tsela who expressed the association’s appreciation to the EFA for extending the programme to the region. He noted that the workshop would make a significant contribution towards improving safety standards across football in from the Regional Super League down to the Zonal Leagues, while strengthening the overall administration of the game.
The EFA General Secretary Mr. Frederick Mngomezulu congratulated the participants for their commitment throughout the course and commended the facilitators, Miss Tengentile Ndlandla and Mr. Lucky Dube, for successfully delivering the programme from its inaugural workshop through every Regional Football Association in the country.
Mr. Mngomezulu challenged participants to ensure that the knowledge gained does not remain in the classroom but is translated into action at every football venue across the country.He emphasized that safer football environments will encourage more supporters to attend matches regularly, creating a positive experience that keeps fans returning. Increased attendance, he noted, strengthens the football ecosystem by attracting commercial partners and sponsors while generating much-needed revenue for clubs and leagues. Reaffirming EFA’s commitment to continuous capacity building, Mr. Mngomezulu revealed that the Association intends to continue developing Safety and Security Officers through both theoretical and practical training opportunities.
As part of that commitment, he announced that participants who completed the nationwide programme will, where opportunities arise, be invited to selected international matches to observe how safety and security operations are implemented at CAF and FIFA competitions. He explained that these exposure opportunities are intended to broaden participants’ practical understanding, with the long-term objective of preparing Eswatini’s Safety and Security Officers to one day serve as match officials at continental and international football events.
Through this programme, the Eswatini Football Association continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting everyone involved in the game while laying a strong foundation for professional, safe and internationally aligned football across Eswatini.