EFA FULFILS LEGENDS CUP PROMISE WITH E20,000 SCHOOL SHOES DONATION
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has fulfilled its commitment to the “Donate a Pair” initiative by donating E20,000 worth of quality school shoes, turning a promise made during the recently implemented Legends Cup into tangible support for children and communities.
The donation forms part of the social impact programme associated with the Legends Cup, which brought together football legends, stakeholders, supporters and communities while using the popularity of the game to promote a meaningful cause beyond the football pitch.
The EFA had pledged to contribute school shoes valued at E20,000 towards the “Donate a Pair” initiative under the banner of the Legends Cup. The fulfilment of the pledge demonstrates the Association’s commitment to ensuring that its football development programmes and events create a positive and lasting impact on society.
The “Donate a Pair” initiative is aimed at supporting children who face challenges in accessing essential school necessities, particularly quality footwear. Through the donation, the EFA seeks to contribute towards creating a more conducive learning environment for beneficiaries while helping restore dignity and confidence among children.
For the EFA, the initiative represents an important extension of football’s role in society.
“Football is more than what happens on the field. It has the power to bring people together, inspire communities and make a difference in the lives of young people. Our commitment to the Donate a Pair initiative was a commitment to use football as a force for positive social change, and today we are proud to fulfil that promise,” said Mr. Frederick Mngomezulu, the General Secretary of the EFA.
Receiving the donation, Mr. Nkosilenhle Masuku, a beneficiary representative, expressed his appreciation to the EFA and the organisers of the Legends Cup for turning the initiative into meaningful assistance for children.
“We are deeply grateful to the Eswatini Football Association for fulfilling this promise. A pair of school shoes may seem like a small contribution, but to a child who may not have proper footwear for school, it means a great deal. It gives them confidence and allows them to attend school with dignity. We sincerely appreciate the EFA for recognising this need and using football to make a difference in the lives of children,” said Masuku.
He further commended the Association for demonstrating that football can have an impact beyond competition and entertainment.
“The Legends Cup has shown that football can bring people together for a greater purpose. We hope this gesture will inspire other organisations, businesses and individuals to also come forward and support children in our communities. This is not only about shoes; it is about giving children hope and reminding them that their future matters,” he added.
The donation also reinforces the social responsibility objectives underpinning the Legends Cup, which was implemented not only as a celebration of football and its legends, but also as a platform through which the sport could contribute to community development.
The Legends Cup provided an opportunity for former football stars and football stakeholders to reconnect with supporters while shining a spotlight on the importance of giving back to communities. The “Donate a Pair” initiative added a humanitarian dimension to the event, demonstrating how football platforms can mobilise support for children and families in need.
The EFA believes that providing children with basic school necessities can make a meaningful difference to their educational experience. A pair of quality school shoes may appear to be a simple contribution, but for a child and family facing financial challenges, it can represent significant relief and encouragement.
The fulfilment of the E20,000 pledge therefore goes beyond the value of the shoes. It reflects the Association’s willingness to translate commitments into action and to ensure that the social messages associated with its programmes are supported by concrete interventions.
The initiative further strengthens the EFA’s broader commitment to child development, community engagement and the use of football as a vehicle for positive change.
As the donated shoes reach their intended beneficiaries, the Association hopes that the gesture will inspire other football stakeholders, businesses, organisations and individuals to support initiatives that improve the welfare of children.
The EFA has also expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the Legends Cup and the “Donate a Pair” initiative, noting that meaningful social impact is achieved through collective action.
With the fulfilment of its E20,000 pledge, the EFA has demonstrated that a promise made on the football field can translate into a lasting impact off it — putting football, responsibility and community at the heart of the game.