EFA WORKSHOP ENHANCE SAFETY, SECURITY AND SAFEGUARDING STANDARDS IN SHISELWENI

The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) successfully concluded a two-day Safety, Security and Safeguarding Workshop for Safety and Security Officers. The workshop, which took place from 18 – 19 June 2026, brought together a total of 36 participants comprising Safety and Security Officers from Super League clubs as well as representatives from the region’s zonal leagues. Officially opening the workshop on Thursday, SRFA Chairman Mr. Nkosinathi Kunene expressed his gratitude to the EFA for bringing such an important programme to the region.

He highlighted that the training would play a significant role in professionalising football within Shiselweni, particularly at a time when adherence to football regulations and safety procedures had become increasingly important. Mr. Kunene emphasized that football should always be a safe sport for everyone involved, including players, match officials, administrators and spectators. He noted that equipping security personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills would help ensure that football matches are conducted in a safe and orderly environment.

The workshop was facilitated by EFA Head of Safety and Security, Miss Tengentile Ndlandla, together with EFA Safeguarding Officer, Mr. Lucky Dube. Throughout the two days, participants were taken through various aspects of football safety, security and safeguarding, including measures aimed at ensuring the safety of players, officials and supporters at stadiums and playing grounds. Among the key topics covered were matchday safety operations, crowd management, accreditation systems and the proper use of accreditation.

Participants were also introduced to the different accreditation zones used in football events, an important component of modern match organisation.The training was designed not only to strengthen football operations within the region but also to align participants with CAF and FIFA safety and security standards. As part of the practical component of the workshop, participants conducted field exercises at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium where they applied the knowledge acquired during the classroom sessions. The practical exercises allowed them to demonstrate their understanding of stadium zoning, accreditation procedures and matchday safety operations.

Closing the workshop, SRFA Executive Member Mr. Joseph Tsela thanked the EFA for investing in the development of football personnel within the region. He encouraged participants to implement the knowledge gained and use it to further professionalise football in Shiselweni, noting that improved standards would also contribute towards attracting sponsors and strengthening the image of regional football. Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr. Sifiso Skhosana thanked the facilitators for the valuable information shared during the workshop. He pledged that the participants would put the knowledge into practice during the upcoming season and acknowledged that such training had long been needed within the region.

In his closing remarks, EFA Safeguarding Officer Mr. Lucky Dube thanked the participants for their cooperation, commitment and excellent attendance throughout the two days. He wished them success as they carry out their duties and encouraged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired for the benefit of football in their respective leagues and clubs.