Eswatini Football Association

The Senior Men’s National Team (Sihlangu SeMnikati has been invited to play as part of the 50/50 Double Celebration. This was confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS). “As had earlier been alluded to when communication the immediate programme of Sihlangu SeMnikati, the national team has been invited to play as part of the 50/50 Double Celebration; an invitation which the NFAS accepted”; the CEO said. The NFAS has started making arrangements for this international match as contacts with possible opposition has already started and once identified; the opponent will be presented to the 50/50 celebrations authorities who will then communicate this information with the rest of the 50/50 celebratory programme.

The football family and its stakeholders are currently mourning the passing on of Mr. Philip Dlamini, popularly known as “Big Daddy”, who was a member of the National Football Association of Swaziland’s (NFAS’s Executive Committee. It is for this reason that a ‘Moment of Silence’ in his remembrance is expected to be observed in all football matches of this forthcoming weekend (7^th /8^th April). All stakeholders of football are advised to take note of this action.

A memorial service will be hosted at John Wesley Primary School in Mbabane on Friday, 6^th April 2018, starting at 1400hrs (2:00 pm). He will be laid to rest at Empatheni, Hlathikulu on Sunday, 8^th April 2018 at 0400hrs (4:00 am) after a night vigil starting in the evening on Saturday, 7^th April 2018.

The National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) issues a statement on the issues currently taking place in women football Pursuant to  a  meeting of  the  Executive  Committee with  six  (6) women football  clubs (Royal Leopards Ladies; Siteki Ladies; Mbekelweni Ladies; Lobamba Highlanders Ladies; Southern Divas; and Shiselweni Roses) at Sigwaca House on the 15^th March 2018; the Executive Committee met to discuss  all  the  issues  presented  by  the  women  football  clubs in  question,  in  particular, their concerns around the events currently taking place at the Women Football Association. In this regard the Executive Committee hereby states the following:

• The Executive Committee have noted all the submissions and discussions made at the above stated meeting  and  is  of  the  view  that  the  same  matters  presented  in  the  meeting  had already been advanced at the High Court of the Kingdom of Swaziland wherein the six (6) women  football  clubs  were  cited  as  applicants, with  the  NFAS  as  respondents; to  which responses  were  advanced  by  the  NFAS,  as  respondents in  the    The High Court dismissed the matter with costs.

• The Executive Committee further noted that the women football clubs again referred the matter to  Court  undercover  yet in another  Certificate  of  Urgency;  a  matter  which  was eventually struck-off the roll. This was after the High Court determined that investigations be executed following a much publicized Court Order which was purported to have been in the possession of the women football clubs. Significant to note even at this instance, is that the  NFAS was  cited  as  respondents  in  the  matter  together  with  the  Women  Football Association (WFA). To this date, the results of the investigations are not known or have not been communicated to parties in the matter.

• The Executive Committee, on the highlight of these significant and legal developments, as above articulated,  whilst  the  matter  of  the  investigations  is  still  being  addressed  by  the court,  wherein,  too,  the  NFAS  was  cited as  respondents  and  pending  the  results  of  the investigations, for the sake of appropriate order, the NFAS cannot deal with the matter, the matter being sub judicae.

• The concluding position of the NFAS on this matter therefore, is that whilst the matter is being addressed,  pending  the  results  of  the  investigations  by  the  High  Court,  and  for  the continuance  of  football, the  six  (6) women  football  clubs (above  stated)  are advised  and directed  to  immediately  go  back  and  participate  in  women  football  clubs’  competitions under the auspices of the WFA.

The National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) has extended a special tribute and momentous gratitude to His Majesty The King Mswati III together with the Royal Family for gracing the 3^rd Finals of the Ingwenyama SMVAF Cup. The NFAS highlighted its humbleness by His Majesty’s attendance and patronage. “The blending of football and culture accords this competition great mileage; particularly its uniqueness; which plays a great role in marketing the sport and culture of the country”; the statement read.

The NFAS also stated that this tournament has laid a solid foundation in celebrating His Majesty’s 50^th Birthday and the same number of years since gaining independence. In addition, the football association extended its appreciation to the Head of Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland, his Cabinet and Civil Service, Members of both Houses of Parliament, Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF), Football family, Invited guests, Fans and the Media for being part of this historic event. “This stakeholders played a pivotal role in making this event to be the glamour and success witnessed”; the statement read. The NFAS urges the nation to always remember and implement the messages that the sponsor (SMVAF) communicated through this competition; as by so doing, the nation’s safety on the roads will be assured.

In conclusion, the football association congratulated the champions of both the football and cultural categories at stake in this competition and also recognized the efforts of the other finalists, various participating football clubs at the earlier stage, all of whom were competitive thereby enhancing our football brand. The organizing committee of the tournament was also acknowledged as it presented a well- coordinated tournament from the opening to the very last day of the competition. “Once again, the football family remains greatly indebted to the Patronage of His Majesty The King Mswati III; Bayethe Wena WaPhakathi