EFA STRENGTHENS MATCH-DAY SAFETY THROUGH NATIONAL SAFETY, SECURITY AND SAFEGUARDING WORKSHOP

he Eswatini Football Association (EFA) on Monday, 15 June 2026, officially opened a two-day Safety, Security and Safeguarding Workshop at Sigwaca House, bringing together Safety and Security Officers (SSOs) from clubs competing in the MTN Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), Mula Sport National First Division, and the Eswatini Women’s Football League.

The workshop is facilitated by renowned football safety and security experts, including Mr Humphry Thlobelo of Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. and a CAF Safety and Security Officer, alongside Mr Lucky Dube and other experienced professionals.

Officially opening the workshop on behalf of the EFA, Vice President Polycarp Dlamini reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to ensuring that football remains a safe and welcoming environment for all stakeholders.

“As the EFA, we are committed to ensuring that football remains a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment for players, officials, supporters, volunteers and all football stakeholders,” said Dlamini.

He encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and apply the knowledge gained to strengthen safety, security and safeguarding practices within their respective clubs and communities.

“The responsibility of ensuring safety, security and safeguarding in football belongs to all of us. I urge you to make the most of this opportunity and become ambassadors of best practice in your football environments,” he added.

Speaking during the opening session, facilitator Mr Humphry Thlobelo expressed his passion for developing football safety and security professionals across the continent.

“Part and parcel of the passion that I have is to share knowledge and training on safety and security in football,” said Thlobelo. “Security is the backbone of any successful event and a critical pillar of football operations. It must therefore be managed by trained and competent professionals.”

Over the course of the two-day workshop, participants will receive training on key safety, security and safeguarding principles designed to enhance match-day operations and protect everyone involved in the game.

The initiative forms part of the EFA’s ongoing efforts to align with FIFA and CAF standards while strengthening the capacity of football stakeholders to deliver safe, secure and professionally managed football events throughout Eswatini.

Through continuous investment in education and capacity-building programmes, the EFA remains committed to raising operational standards and fostering a football environment where all participants can enjoy the game with confidence, safety and peace of mind.