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EFA UNITES WITH THE GLOBE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST AIDS

Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has united with the globe in the fight against AIDS. “As the world commemorated the world AIDS day, the EFA would like to extend her solidarity and shared responsibility towards the fight against AIDS” the EFA said through a statement. The football association reminds the populace that the fight is not over thus there is still a need to increase awareness and the impact of HIV on people’s lives. “With solidarity and shared responsibility, we can suppress the stigma and discrimination and improve the quality of life of people living with HIV” said part of the statement.

EFA also highlighted that even though the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected us adversely; we mustn’t forget the havoc that HIV has done and still can do to our lives. “No one is safe unless we all safe”, the statement read.

The football association also acknowledged His Majesty’s Government and her partners for the efforts in the fight against the AIDS epidemic over the years since the first case was reported in the country. “As an organisation we believe that global problems needs global solidarity, thus only global solidarity and shared responsibility can help us beat the COVID-19 pandemic and the AIDS epidemic”, the statement concluded.

WE ARE READY FOR CONGO BRAZAVILLE

The Senior Men’s National Team (Sihlangu) is ready to face Congo Brazzaville which will be a back-to-back clash between the two nations. Sihlangu will play against the Red Devels in Brazzaville on the 12^th November 2020 with the second leg to be played four days later at the Mavuso Sports Centre in Manzini. When addressing the media at the Somhlolo National Stadium; Sihlangu Head Coach Dominic Kunene was optimistic that the players were now ready for the match. “The players are committed to play for the country and in terms of physical fitness; they are not bad. We want to win and with nine points from the remaining matches, we can qualify for the Total AFCON Finals”, said Kunene.

He also highlighted that in as much as their focus is on having a clean sheet, they will also respect the game. “We are focusing on how to protect our goals whilst respecting the game”, Kunene said. Currently the national team is without the international players who are expected to join the national when the international FIFA week starts. “The international players will be part of the squad as we stated before that every capable player can play for the national team”, Kunene highlighted.

LINDO MKHONTA TO CAPTAIN SIHLANGU

The hard tackling defender Lindokuhle Mkhonta will captain the Senior Men’s National Team (Sihlangu) for the first time when the nation’s pride plays against Congo Brazzaville on the 12^th November 2020. He highlighted that, to be captain of the national team comes with huge responsibilities of which, he is looking forward in handling them. “It is not easy to be the captain of the national team but I will consult from the previous captains in order to live up to the expectations”, Mkhonta said. The hard man in the Sihlangu defence also highlighted that the long break of football had its effects towards them as players as they first struggled during the early days of the training camp. “We first struggled but we have improved after the long break of football due to the COVID-19 pandemic”, Mkhonta said. He also highlighted that training under the COVID-19 pandemic was different than before as there are a lot of health protocols that are now implemented. As a true leader, the captain was confident that they can get maximum points away from home. “We want the maximum points away from home”, Mkhonta said.

ESWATINI BIGINS THE 2020 COSAFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS ON A POSITIVE NOTE

It was a game of two halves as Eswatini won the opening match against Comoros in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Eswatini did not have a good first half as Comoros was the most dominant team. This was confirmed by the first half score as Comoros was leading by 2-0 by the time the referee sent both teams to the dressing rooms. The goals for Comoros were scored by Abdourahmene Hairyat in the 16^th minute and Attoumane Hadhiroimi in the 53^rd minute.

Just when Comoros thought they have done the job, Eswatini had different ideas in the second half. Sitsebe as the Eswatini Senior Women’s National team is known raised their work rate and applied more pressure to Comoros which resulted in the opening of spaces for the Swatis. Sitsebe was able to take more shots at goal than in the first half. Sitsebe was able to score their first goal of this COSAFA edition via the boots of Phumzile Dlamini in the 65^th minutes. This goal motivated Eswatini to apply more pressure towards Comoros which resulted in the second goal that was scored by Tenanile Ngcamphalala in the 75^th minute.

Eswatini continued to dominate the match as Comoros was now panicking which made them to loss possession easily. In the 87^th minutes where a draw was more of a possible result, Eswatini netted the 3^rd goal through Nonjabuliso Mokgale in the 87^th minute. Comoros efforts of getting an equalizer dimished when Phumzile Dlamini completed her brace with a well taken goal in the 90^th minute which sealed Eswatini’s maximum points. The next match for Eswatini will be on Friday against the host on the same grass.

THE EFA ACKNOWLEDGES HIS MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT FOR THE RETURN OF ELITE FOOTBALL

The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has acknowledged His Majesty’s Government for the return of elite football in the country. This was after the Right Hounourable Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini announced the return of elite football in the country since the last action in March due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

“On behalf of the football fraternity, EFA would like to express her profound gratitude to the Head of His Majesty’s Government and all pertinent Government constructions, on the affirmative consideration of a return of football business” said the General Secretary (GS) of the EFA, Mr Frederick Mngomezulu. He also highlighted that the EFA is fully cognizant of the momentous task and most critically, the task of having to ensure a safe return of the game of football. “EFA commits to continue to respond, positively, to the direction f Government as she execute a safe return to football, as the evolution of the COVID-19 may dictate”, Mngomezulu said.

The GS also assured that the EFA still upholds its commitment of placing the health of all participants first. In doing so, the EFA will prescribe regulatory framework that will comply with the COVID-19 era. “As a preliminary direction to her membership and the general public, the EFA Executive Committee will on Monday, 12^th October 2020, convene a special Executive meeting to discuss the details of the pronouncement and conditions, in the process refining the Football Resumption Strategy, for its delivery to its members and the general public, as all football practice during this COVID-19 era will be governed by this strategy and obviously, the evolution of COVID-19 pandemic”, Mngomezulu said.

The delivery of the strategy will carry with it specific timelines on the applicable COVID-19 mitigation elements that have to be observed; and dates on the registration of players and clubs for the new season (2020/2021) and the commencement of training by football clubs and expected COVID-19 elements amongst others.

EFA TO LICENSE REFEREES

The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) will as of this coming season (2020/21) license referees in the country. This was disclosed by the EFA’s General Secretary (GS) Mr. Frederick Mngomezulu during the online closing ceremony of the FIFA MA Youth Refereeing Course which was also implemented virtually due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. “As from the 2020/21 football season, the EFA will license referees in the country”, Mngomezulu said. This is one of the numerous ways in which the EFA will be enhancing the development of refereeing in the Kingdom. During the same closing event, the GS also gave an assurance that the EFA is committed in supporting referees in the country. “As EFA, we are commitment in making our referees to be better performers in both the domestic and international arena”, Mngomezulu said.

On another note the Eswatini Football Association’s General Secretary (GS), Mr. Frederick Mngomezulu also urged the referees in the country to work extra hard in order to be best referees. “The sky is the limit. Remember, dedication and perseverance are also vital if you want to succeed”, Mngomezulu said. He also emphasized the importance of staying in shape. In conclusion the GS expressed the EFA’s acknowledgement for her investment in the development of football in the country.

THE EFA DECIDES TO END THE 2019/20 FOOTBALL SEASON

After some through consultations and analysis of the current situation in relation to the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) in a much anticipated meeting held on Thursday, 20^th August 2020 decided to conclude the 2019/20 football season.

“During this protracted period of consultations, various scenarios have been analysed culminating to a meeting of the Executive Committee on the 20^th August 2020, where, after critical analyses of this force majeure circumstance of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already placed football into an unparalleled hiatus, and the responsibility to assure the practice of the football business prospectively in an optimal environment, albit imperfectly as a result of the pandemic, decided that the 20219/20 football season, as at the 20^th August 2020, is decided as at the point at it which it was concluded with the determination of the winners and promotions, as per the standings at the point, however, without the effect of relegations”, Mr. Mngomezulu, the General Secretary (GS) of the EFA said in a press conference held at Sigwaca House on Friday, 21^st August 2020.

He also stated that this decision was taken after the EFA considered a number of factors which include the following:

The current restriction, as prescribed by Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, in the fight against the universal catastrophe of the COVID-19, particularly the restrictions on the practice of sport, which to this date has not allowed football to resume;
Disturbance probabilities to following football seasons of 2020/21 and 2021/22, which are generally expected to be in syc with the rest of the global football. In this regard, a protracted delay in the conclusion of the 2019/20 football season will have adverse effects on the onset and conclusion of the above mentioned two seasons.
The issue of registration of players and clubs, including the status and transfer of football players, where most significantly some football clubs were already at risk of losing players, without having the possibility to replenish due to the regulation to conclude the 2019/20 season utilizing the same players. For international transfers, it would have proved to be too cumbersome for many.
The consistency of the application or applicability of the 2019/20 football season conclusion scenarios, across all leagues of the country, where it was discovered that the conditions varied significantly, hence there was a need to avoid major disturbances or discrepancies in the uniformity of application;
The implication of the application of the established football resumption strategy, especially, the time needed to execute the strategy, in relation to the commencement of the 2020/21 season and its severity probability of also affecting the 2020/21 football season, taking into account that the football association still has international obligations;
The strain to be posed on the current and future budgets for the practice and sustenance of the business, where it was discovered that the practice of the football business, will require additional budgets to the usual;
The available facilities for competitions and associated business, to optimally respond to the requirements of hosting safe matches during this high COVID-19 transmission period. Some of the key facilities like stadiums that host most of the competitions are currently inaccessible; and
In doing all these, the EFA has to remain in conformity with the guiding principles of placing the health of all individuals and groups, who participate in the game of football at various levels.

EFA MEMBERS GENERAL ASSEMBLES RESCHEDULED

The Eswatini Football association (EFA) has rescheduled its member association’s general assemblies. This is due to the suspension of football competitions and activities countrywide, with competitions set to resume at a later date. “The EFA Member associations and Leagues are hereby informed that following the suspension of football competitions and activities countrywide, with competitions set to resume at a later date until their conclusion, a situation which also saw the extension of the 2019/2020 football season, the hosting of the Ordinary General Assemblies (OGA s) or Annual General Meeting (AGMs) for the EFA Members is deferred to the end of the extended 2019/2020 football season pending the review of the COVID-19 pandemic situation in August 2020” said the EFA circular.

This decision was based on the prevailing and/or prescribed COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the discharge of the normal and statutory business of the EFA Members during the COVID-19 pandemic period. “The COVID-19 health threat has remained precarious over this period and as such the EFA is mindful of the objectives of organizing OGAs where all affected members are able to extend and optimally discharge their statutory business”, read the circular.

The other reason for the postponement was because it won’t be possible to confirm the promotions and relegations due to the extension of the 2019/2020 football season. “The extension of the 2019/2020 football season has a substantial and statutory bearing on the promotion and relegation of football clubs. General Assembly business in a majority of the EFA Members statutorily involves amongst others the confirmations of promotions and relegations; and the primary outlay of the business of the preceding football season as well as the forthcoming football season”, the EFA said.

The third reason was based on the financial reports to be done by the EFA members to their affiliates which won’t be practical until the football season is concluded. “The statutory reporting and accountability of EFA members to their own members, including financial accountability, expected to be discharged at the business of the general assemblies, which is principally relies upon a football season being concluded”, the circular read.

The other reason was based on the review meeting of the EFA Executive Committee to be held in August. “The review meeting of the EFA Executive Committee in August 2020, which will provide a momentous direction on the discharge of the statutory and normal football business amid the persistent COVID-19 situation”, the circular read.

The last reason in the circular was on the fact that the COVID-19 situation was a force majeure. “The circumstance of the COVID-19 constitutes a situation of force majeure, and the EFA Executive Committee, in observance of the EFA Statutes, is statutorily tasked with the supreme authority in the implementation of measures under its auspice. This is implemented obviously in compliance with the dictates of FIFA and associated statutory provisions that relate to timelines of hosting and the business of OGAs of the EFA members are hereby accordingly waived”, the EFA concluded.

SIMPLE THE BEST-MATHOKOZA THWALA AND THOKOZANI MKHULISI

Two Green Mamba FC players by the name of Njabulo Thwala and Thokozani Mkhulisi got their rewards of excelling during the 2019/20 SMVA Ingwenyama Cup competition in an event the was held at the Happy Valley Hotel under strict adherence of the COVID-19 health precautions. This awarding ceremony was for both the football (main completion and regional competition) and the cultural competition respectively.

The champions of the main football competition Green Mamba FC and the regional champions were both given their prizes. Green Mamba FC got E1 4000 000.00 whilst Manchester United got E42 500.00 respectively. The player of the series for this edition was Njabulo Thwala who got E15 000.00 and a trophy and Thokozani Mkhulisi won himself E10 000.00 and a trophy for being the best goalkeeper. The top goal scorer for this edition was Malanti Chiefs FC’s Charles Molope who got himself E10 000.00. Manchester United FC’s Wakhile Shongwe was the best player of the regional competition. For his effort he got E5 000.00. The best referee of this edition was FIFA accredited referee Thembinkosi Dlamini. The best Public Relations Ofiicer (PRO) was Paul Masilela from Mbabane Highlanders FC.

THE EFA HOSTS THE 2020 OGA

The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) hosted its 2020 Ordinary General Assembly (OGA) at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini. This event was implemented on Sunday, 28th June 2020 after the EFA was granted by the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini to do so. During this gathering, the EFA presented both the organisation’s activity and financial reports to the delegates who are also the Executive Members of the member associations of the football association.

During this meeting, the President of the EFA, Mr. Adam Mthethwa highlighted that due to the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic; the football competitions remain suspended as previously decided by the Executive Committee of the EFA. “The most probable question that is encountered is that of the negativity of the wait to resume football or decide on the fate of the 2019/20 season. To this end, the Executive Committee will convene in August 2020 to review the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequently advise its members and stakeholders”, Mthethwa said.

The President of the EFA also highlighted on the progress of organisation’s infrastructure developments, sustained rebranding of the EFA, regional football governance and management capacitation, capacity building for football personnel, EFA’s football statutes, and the fiscal ecosystem in the football business.