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THE NFAS EXPRESSES ITS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES ON THE STAMPADE AT THE FNB STADIUM

The National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) has expressed its heartfelt condolences to the South African Football Association (SAFA), the Council of South African Football Association (COSAFA), Government of the Republic of South Africa, the sporting fraternity of the Republic of South Africa, most extensively the affected families, relatives and friends for the establishments of the shocking tragedy that happened at the FNB Stadium during the Carling Black Label Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs FC and Orlando Pirates FC.

Like the rest of the sphere, the NFAS still cannot comprehend the dreadful tragedy but believe that God Almighty will afford solace and reassurance to all affected at such a depressing instant. Football is a global sport that brings entertainment to the fans who are the consumers of the beautiful game, however, such traumatic experiences are very much unfortunate, and thus the NFAS expresses its symbol of solidarity and best wishes of recovery to all affected and speedy recovery to all affected families, society and establishments as a result of this stampede.

May the souls of the departed, “Rest in Peace”.

THE OFFICIAL INTRODUCTION OF THE NFAS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO THE MEDIA

The newly elected Executive Committee of the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) was officially introduced to the Media in the recently concluded Executive Committee Retreat that was held at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha. This retreat was held as a follow up of the recently held Executive Committee Elections that took place on the 25^th June 2017 at the Sibane Hotel.

The retreat commenced on Tuesday, 25^th July and ended on Friday, 28^th July 2017. Its main purpose was to orient the new Executive Committee Members of the NFAS to their roles and responsibilities. Expects in different fields of leadership and management presented on a number of topics and one of them was on Corporate Governance. This expects were from REDI Consultants and one of the consultants was Dr Sikhomba Gumbi. “We had expects who presented on a number of topics, that were of great value to us as we benefited a lot more especially on Corporate Governance which is very key for us as we assume the leadership positions of football in the NFAS”, said the President of the football association, Senator Adam Mthethwa.

As the media is one of the key stakeholders of the NFAS, the football association saw it very important to officially introduce the Executive Committee to the Media, as its (Media) importance is even significant from the FIFA level. The two Vice Presidents of the NFAS also had the opportunity to say something to the media, as they echoed the words of the President of the NFAS.

SPTC AND SWAZI MED PARTNERSHIP LAUNCH

The partnership between the Swaziland Post and Telecommunications Corporation (SPTC) and SwaziMed was officially implemented at Ward 12 of the Mbabane Government Hospital in the spirit of the 2017 SPTC Charity Cup Competition-Yam’Nawe. This partnership is valued at E150 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Emalangeni only). Ward 12 of this hospital is the same place where the official launch of this year’s edition of the Yam’ Nawe Charity Cup Competition was launched. This ward was adopted by the telecommunications company after a plea on behalf of His Majesty’s Government by the Honourable Minister of Health, Minister Sibongile Ndlela-Simelane to SPTC as she asked the organisation to share its spirit of charity to the Mbabane Government Hospital.

First to address the audience was the Managing Director (MD) of SPTC, Mr Petros Dlamini who highlighted the telecommunication’s company’s excitement of being partners with the football family, beneficiaries and most recently, SwaziMed. “As SPTC, we are very much exited to be partners with other stakeholders in our corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives and in particular in the spirit of Yam’ Nawe Competition”, said the MD. What also exites SPTC is the fulfilment of the Honourable Minister’s dream. This E150 000.00 worth of partnership will go towards the maintenance and provision of services to ward 12 of the Mbabane Government Hospital, and what is also good for the hospital is that this ward is being adapted by SPTC in the long-run period.

In conclusion, the MD also invited the nation to watch all the SPTC Charity Cup matches as this year’s edition will be bigger and better. “ Let me also take this opportunity to invite the nation to the Somhlolo National Stadium where the matches will be played, to go entertain themselves as this year’s match days will be family days”, he said. This year’s edition will have a curtain raiser match which will be a Manzini derby between Manzini Sundowns FC and Moneni Prates FC, on Sunday; 20^th august 2017. The main event will be a week later on Sunday, 27^th August 2017 where Mbabane Highlanders FC, Mbabane Swallows FC, Royal Leopards FC and the winner of the Manzini derby will be in action.

Also making his remarks in this prestigious event, was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SwaziMed who is also the Vice President of the NFAS, Mr. Peter Simelane who highlighted SwaziMed’s commitment in collaborating with other organisations when it comes to health related issues. “SwaziMed felt the need in collaborating with giant organisations like SPTC as this is a noble initiative”, he said. The CEO of SwaziMed also urged other organisations to come on board and collaborate with SPTC in such charity initiatives.

This historic event was also witnessed by Vice President of the NFAS who is also a Senior Medical Doctor at the Mbabane Government Hospital; Dr. Comfort Shongwe and the Premier League of Swaziland (PLS) Chief Operations Officer (COO); Mr Petros Vilakati amongst others.

REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS AND CLUBS FOR THE 2017/2018 FOOTBALL SEASON

The National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) has issued Circular Number 106 to its Members, which states the 2 registration periods for the forthcoming 2017/ 2018 football season. According to this circular, the first window registration period which is the main period for registration for the season, commenced on Monday, 10^th July 2017 and will close on Friday, 22^nd September 2017. The Second window registration period shall commence on Tuesday, 8^th January 2018 and close on Friday, 2^nd February 2018.

According to the circular, all clubs in the country shall be allowed to register a maximum of 30 players, inclusive of up to a maximum of 5 international players. It also states that all football players and clubs of the Premier League of Swaziland (PLS) are expected to confirm to all requirements for the registration and transfer of their players. These clubs are expected to meet the registration and regulations for the current 2017/2018 football season, including the conformity to club licensing requirements which are mandatory in terms of the Sporting; Infrastructure; Administrative and Personnel; and Legal Criteria as outlined with the Club Licensing Regulations.

Registration Form (duly completed)
Domestic Transfer Certificate (where applicable)
International Transfer Certificate (where applicable)
Player’s Contract

-Duly signed and initialed on every page,

-With the signatures and initials of the player and club’s officially mandatory,

-Where a recognized player’s agent is involved his/ her signature and initial must be accordingly included.

Club License for the 2017/2018 Football season

-Fullfilment of the Club Licensing requirement (s articulated in Club Licensing regulations as for this purpose each club shall apply with the NFAS Secretariat and upon fulfilment of all requirements will be granted a Club License for the 2017/2018 Football Season).

Coaches license (in accordance with the Coach Licensing System for 2017/2018 season)

-In the case where a club has terminated the service of a coach within the season or once the season has started the acting or new coach shall not be allowed in the Technical area unless having fulfilled all the requirements of the coach licensing system.

Work permit( where applicable)

-A player’s work permit application shall not be made with the NFAS unless all the documents required for the registration of the player and the club have been fulfilled.

Loan Agreements( where applicable)

-For loaned players

-Duly signed by all parties to the loan agreement

-Must be attached with the Transfer Certificate of the player in question.

Other documents which form part of the agreements towards the transfer of a player must also be attached with the above registration requirements.

As for international players playing football at the Premier League and National First Division, over and above the applicable registration requirements, be employed on contract, a copy of which shall be submitted to the registration office of the NFAS before such a player can be registered.

The circular also states that all players in the PLS shall not be allowed to register without having undergone a medical examination from recognized Medical practitioners or institutions of the country. Therefore, clubs are expected to also produce a Medical Certificate as a proof that a particular player is medically fit to play football in the current football season.

Football clubs at Premier League, National First Division and Super League are also reminded that the registration of players will be done electronically through the FIFA Connect Registration System. This registration process will include the U20 and U17 teams’ players for the PLS clubs. It is for this reason that the NFAS is currently hosting the FIFA Connect Registration Workshops to its relevant stakeholders.

Lastly, according to the circular, the registration fee per player in the National First Division and the Premier League is E100 (One Hundred Emalangeni Only per player); whilst those for Regional Super Leagues’ Clubs is E50 (Fifty Emalangeni Only per player). These fees are to be paid at the Finance Office of the NFAS).

NFAS DIPLOMA COACHING COURSE EXAMINATION

The National Football Association of Swaziland will conduct the NFAS Diploma Coaching Course at the Technical Centre in Lobamba as from Monday, 24th July- Sunday, 13th August 2017. This is an essential course as it is the bridging course to the CAF License A Course and it also covers all the aspects of football. The examination timetable is as follows:

SUBJECT: NFAS DIPLOMA EXAM TIME TABLE, 2017 (TECHNICAL CENTRE)

DATE	SUBJECT	*DURATION*
24^th july,2017	Sport pedagogy	*1800-2000*
26^th july,2017	Sport science	*1800-2000*
28^th july,2017	Sport psychology	*1800-2000*
31^st july,2017	Football theory	*1800-2000*
2^nd august,2017	communication	*1800-1900*
4^th august,2017	Sport management	*1800-2000*
7^th august,2017	Sociology	*1800-2000*
9^th august,2017	Anatomy and physiology	*1800-2000*
12^th august,2017	Practicals	*830 am to 4pm*
13th^th august,2017	Practicals	*830 am to 4pm*

FIFA MA COACHING COURSE OFFICIALLY CLOSED

The FIFA MA Youth Coaching Course was officially closed by the Chief executive Officer (CEO) of the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) in an event that was held at Emtfonjeni Building in Ezulwini. When addressing the audience, the CEO congratulated the audience for successfully completing the course and urged the participants to implement what they have learned to their respective clubs. “Let take this opportunity to congratulate you for successfully completing this course and also urge you to implement what you have learned to your respective clubs”, said the CEO of the NFAS. He also highlighted that this was an important course as the participants are the ones coaching the youth players who are the future of the game. The CEO also encouraged the coaches by telling them that, in football, the sky is the limit as one can be a junior coach today, but in future the very same coach can be a coach of the national team.

The FIFA Instructor, Mr. Serame Letsoaka congratulated the participants for their cooperation during the course and also the NFAS for the wonderful hospitality that he received whilst in the country. He also urged them to implement what they have learnt to their respective clubs. “I would like to thank the participants for their cooperation during the course and also the NFAS for the hospitality that I received since I arrived”, he said. The FIFA instructor also urged the respective Swazi football clubs to put more effort in developing their junior teams as this is where the future of the game is found. “Let me also urge the respective Swazi football clubs to up the gear in as far as player development is concerned as this will have a positive effect in the long run as there will be enough pool to select players that can be selected to play for the national team”, he said.

The participants also showed their appreciation to the FIFA Instructor and the NFAS for facilitating this FIFA Youth Coaching Course. Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr. Mbongwa Dlamini thanked the FIFA Instructor and the NFAS for giving them this opportunity to be part of this course. “ As participants, we would like to thank the FIFA Instructor and the NFAS for facilitating such a wonderful course and we promise that we will implement what we have learnt to our respective clubs”, he said. This event ended with the issuing of the FIFA Certificates to the participants.

THE FIFA MA YOUTH COACHING COURSE OFFICIALLY OPENED

The FIFA MA Youth Coaching Course was officially opened by the President of the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) on Monday 10^th July 2017 at Emtfonjeni Building in Lobamba. Other dignitaries present during this event was the FIFA Instructor, Mr Serame Letsoaka, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NFAS; Mr Frederick Mngomezulu, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Premier League of Swaziland (PLS); Mr Petros Vilakati, the Technical Director (TD) of the NFAS; Mr Bhekisisa Mkhonta, the Participants and the Media. This is the first FIFA Course under the Youth Coaching Course.

When addressing the audience, the President of the NFAS highlighted that it is very important to develop the game of football more especially at the youth stage. “ It is very important to develop football and most especially from the youth stage as it lays a good foundation for the sustainability of the beautiful game as chances are high that with solid foundation in as far as player development is concerned, the players will be more successful”, the President of the NFAS said. The President of the NFAS was also very excited to see familiar faces in this event as it was a sign of commitment to those participants and moreover, they are doing a great job in assisting the NFAS in developing football. Lastly, Senator Adam Mthethwa told the participants that he hopes that the participants will plough back what they will learn from this course back to their respective clubs.

Also, the FIFA Instructor had some few words to share with the audience. He highlighted that he was very much honoured to be the instructor of such an important course as the future of the beautiful game is with the youth. “I am very much honoured and privileged to be here and I also commend the NFAS for putting this course in collaboration with FIFA”, said the FIFA Instructor. He also elaborated the importance of youth development in the sport as he compared football to a school due to the fact that it takes a lot of hours to put up a player. “Football is like a school, as it takes about 10 000 hours to put up a player at his/ her best”, he said. Mr. Serame also encouraged the country to invest early on players as there will be more sustainability in the local game of football. He also noted that Swaziland has a lot of potential in football compared to other countries, and with good foundation, the local game of football can have proper growth. Lastly, he also highlighted that the PLS is a strong league compared to other leagues which is an indication on its own that the local game is growing to greater heights.

This course is attended by Youth Coaches from the PLS Clubs, Regions and other personnel involved in youth coaching. The course is expected to end on Friday, 14^th July 2014.

SITSEBE SAMHLEKAZI SAFELY RETURNS HOME

The Senior Women’s National Team, Sitsebe SaMhlekazi is back home from Lesotho after playing two (2) friendly matches with the Senior Lesotho Women National Team in Lesotho. These international friendly matches were part of the national team’s preparations for the COSAFA Women Competition to be held in Zimbabwe.

The first match was played on Saturday, and Sitsebe SaMhlekazi won by 2-1. Both goals for the local side were scored by Cebile Shongwe. On Sundaymorning, the second international friendly match was played and the local Women’s National Team lost by 2-1. The goal scorer for Sitsebe SaMhlekazi was Mazwi Dube.

In as far as the Head Coach Mduduzi Nxumalo is concerned, this trip was a success as they were able to see all the players in a competitive international match. “This was a successful trip as we were able to see all the players that made the trip as we are preparing for a national team that will represent the country very well in the upcoming COSAFA Women Competition to be held in Zimbabwe”, said the Head Coach. All the twenty-one (21) players that were part of the delegation were given an opportunity to play during these international friendly matches.

SITSEBE SAMHLEKAZI IS READY FOR LESOTHO SENIOR WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM

The Senior Women’s National Team, Sitsebe SaMhlekazi is ready for the two (2) international friendly matches against Lesotho in Maseru this coming weekend. Currently the national team is in camp and these 2 international friendly matches are part of their preparations for the Senior Women’s COSAFA Cup Competition to be held in Zimbabwe as from the 13^th -24^th September 2017.

According to the national team’s Head Coach, Mduduzi Nxumalo, they are now ready for the international friendly matches as they are looking forward to a successful trip. “The team has been in camp for the past 2 weeks, and everything is ok as the players are responding very well to the technics and tactics in training”, said the Head Coach. Currently the national team is training three (3) times a day at the Somhlolo National Stadium and the Technical Centre in Lobamba. The Head Coach also acknowledged the support that the national team is getting from the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS).

The Head Coach’s words were echoed by Sitsebe SaMhlekazi’s Captain, Sibongile Ngwenya who also highlighted that they are looking forward to the trip to Lesotho and the match itself. “All is well in the camp as we are responding very well to the coaches training sessions and the spirit amongst the players is very high”. She also urged the Nation to support the Women National Team as they are taking these international friendly matches against Lesotho seriously considering the fact that they are preparing for an important competition. “We are taking these international friendly matches very serious considering the fact that we are preparing for the COSAFA Women’s Competition where we want to represent the country very well”, she said. The national team is scheduled to return back home on Monday, 10^th July 2017.

THE 2017 SPTC CHARITY CUP TOURNAMENT LAUNCH

On Saturday, 1^st July 2017, the 2017 SPTC Charity Cup was launched at the Mbabane Government Hospital. Present during this event was the representative of the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), Honourable Minister Dumisani Ndlangamandla, representative of the Minister of Sports; Culture and Youth Affairs; Honourable Minister Owen Nxumalo, representative of the Minister of Health; Honourable Minister Minnie Magagula, representative of the Hhohho Regional Administrator, representative of the Mayor of Mbabane, the football family, management and staff of the Swaziland Post and Telecommunications (SPTC) and the members of the media. This year’s launch was done at the Mbabane Government Hospital simply because SPTC has adopted the men’s ward of the hospital, which is ward 12.

When making his remarks, the DPM’s representative, Honourable Minister Dumisani Ndlangamandla thanked SPTC and the football family for supporting His Majesty’s Government in improving lives in the country. “SPTC and the football family, has made it a point over the years to improve the lives of the Swazi Citizens more especially the vulnerable people, and His Majesty’s Government urges other organisations to come on board”, he said. He also highlighted that the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland has prioritized health, of which it is good to see organisations like SPTC to do likewise of which other organisations are urged to support health related initiatives. Lastly, he urged the nation to make the 2017 SPTC Charity Cup Competition a huge success.

The Honourable Minister, Winnie Magagula who was representing the Honourable Minister of Health, reminded the audience that SPTC was the first parastatal to support charity and that was in 2001, of which it was good that the organisation was still doing so. She also thanked the football family and SPTC for their commitment towards charity. “Thanks to the football family and SPTC for their commitment towards charity”, she said. As for the launching at the Mbabane Government Hospital, she told the audience that the game of football is being played by healthy people and that is the message sent to the world. Finally, she wished all the participating clubs the best of luck during the completion.

The representative of the Honourable Minister of Sports; Culture and Youth Affairs; Honourable Minister Owen Nxumalo, thanked SPTC for partnering with His Majesty’s Government in alleviating poverty and improving the welfare of the nation and also for investing in football for the past 16 years. ‘’On behalf of His Majesty’s Government, I would like to thank SPTC for partnering with His Majesty’s Government in alleviating poverty and improving the welfare of the nation”, he said. He also acknowledged the marriage between the football family and SPTC as it has a positive impact to the economy of the country. He also urged all stakeholders to make this competition a huge success.

Speaking on behalf of the football family was the Vice President of the National Football association of Swaziland (NFAS) and the Chairman of the Premier League of Swaziland (PLS), Mr Victor Gamedze who expressed the football family’s appreciation in as far as the marriage between the NFAS/PLS and SPTC is concerned. ‘’As a football family, we are proud of our marriage with SPTC and we are fully committed in this marriage’’, he said. He also highlighted that the participating clubs in this year’s edition are, Mbabane Highlanders FC, Mbabane Swallows FC and Royal Leopards FC. The fourth and final club will be the winner between Manzini Sundowns FC and Moneni Pirate FC.

The Managing Director (MD) of SPTC, Mr Petros Dlamini referred this competition to a tournament of hope and spirit of togetherness. ‘’ This competition has improved the quality of life to the society thus it is referred to as the tournament of hope’’, he said. The MD also highlighted his excitement in the transformation of football in the country as our teams are performing very well in the inter-continental competition. He also thanked the collaboration between SPTC and the Ministry of Health for this year’s project. As for choosing ward 12, he highlighted that they want men to have hope and get well when they come to the Mbabane Government Hospital. In as far as the business side of the project is concerned; he said that tele medic’s infrastructure is part of the project as it has a lot of advantages like cost efficiency and teleconferencing just to mention few. ‘’ The slogan for the competition is Yam’Nawe’’, said the MD. Lastly, he thanked SPTC’s loyal customers for their support thus being able to support football. ‘’Let me ask all teams to embrace the spirit of charity by being involved in the charity activities’’, he concluded.

This competition will symbolise the commencement of the 2017/2018 football season and it is scheduled to take place on the 27^th August 2017. Yam’Nawe!!!!