NORTHERN HHOHHO SAFETY, SECURITY, AND SAFEGUARDING OFFICERS EQUIPPED TO RAISE FOOTBALL SAFETY STANDARDS
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has continued its nationwide Safety, Security and Safeguarding Workshop programme with the successful completion of the Northern Hhohho Regional Football Association (HRFA) workshop, held from 29–30 June 2026 at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre.
The two-day workshop brought together 21 participants, comprising Safety and Security Officers from Northern Hhohho Super League clubs as well as representatives from the region’s zonal leagues. The programme forms part of EFA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen safety, security and safeguarding standards across all levels of football in Eswatini.
Speaking during the workshop, Hhohho Regional Football Association Vice Chairperson, Mr. Donald Nkonyane, highlighted that while football has benefited from numerous capacity-building programmes in areas such as administration, coaching and management, the critical area of safety, security and safeguarding has often been overlooked despite its importance in protecting all stakeholders involved in the game.
He noted that football has witnessed several unfortunate incidents both locally and internationally where stronger safety and security measures could have prevented tragedy. Referring to the Ellis Park Stadium disaster in South Africa, where lives were lost, Mr. Nkonyane stressed that such incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of proper planning and effective matchday safety procedures.
Mr. Nkonyane expressed confidence that EFA’s nationwide Safety, Security and Safeguarding Programme would contribute significantly to strengthening football safety standards in both the Hhohho Region and Eswatini as a whole, thereby reducing the risk of similar incidents occurring in the country.
He further applauded clubs and league representatives for responding positively to the invitation and for their active participation throughout the workshop. He also revealed that the Hhohho Regional Football Association Executive Committee is committed to improving infrastructure at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre to support the implementation of the knowledge gained during the programme.
Among the planned improvements are the installation of stadium signage and other safety-related enhancements that will assist Safety and Security Officers in carrying out their responsibilities more effectively.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr. Gcina Dlamini thanked the Eswatini Football Association for creating an opportunity for football safety, security and safeguarding personnel to receive specialised training.
He acknowledged that the workshop had exposed gaps in some of the procedures that had previously been followed and highlighted the importance of aligning operations with recognised safety standards.
Mr. Dlamini noted that participants had been equipped with valuable knowledge and practical skills that would enhance their confidence and effectiveness in executing their duties. He pledged that the participants would apply the lessons learned from the workshop at the start of the upcoming football season to help create a safer environment for players, match officials and supporters.
The EFA’s nationwide Safety, Security and Safeguarding Programme continues next week with a workshop for Southern Hhohho Super League teams, scheduled to take place from 2–3 July 2026 at Sigwaca House.