The future of local football in Eswatini hangs in the balance as the Chairperson of the Parliament Sports Portfolio Committee, Sifiso Shabalala, has called for an urgent football indaba to address ongoing challenges threatening the sport’s stability. Shabalala, also the Dvokodvweni MP, highlighted the need for key stakeholders to come together to reassess the state of the national league, which has been embroiled in legal battles.
“This is a crucial time for our football,” Shabalala remarked. “The current disputes involving several football clubs are putting the league in a precarious position, and we must act now before it’s too late. A football indaba will bring together the necessary voices—government officials, EFA members, and the Ministry of Sports—to tackle these issues head-on and work toward solutions that will secure the future of the league.”
Legal Battles Threaten Local Football
The legal entanglements plaguing local football have created significant uncertainty, casting a shadow over the operations of Eswatini’s football clubs and competitions. Various clubs are currently involved in court cases, which are not only halting progress but also affecting the financial and operational stability of the sport. Shabalala’s call for an indaba comes at a time when stakeholders are increasingly concerned about the implications these ongoing legal issues have on the league’s future.
In particular, there are concerns about the governance of football in the country and the potential ramifications of these disputes on sponsorships, broadcasting deals, and public perception. With these challenges in mind, Shabalala is advocating for a holistic approach that brings all parties into one space for open dialogue, aiming to find common ground and practical solutions.
“Without addressing the current legal and governance issues, our football risks stagnation,” Shabalala warned. “The indaba will allow for constructive conversations that can lead to real change and a path forward that guarantees stability for the league.”
The Role of Leadership in Overcoming Crisis
While legal challenges remain at the forefront of the discussion, the leadership of football in Eswatini has also been called into question. Shabalala has been vocal about the lack of progress on key legislative reforms, notably the delayed sports bill, which has not yet been presented to Parliament despite promises of its submission. The bill is seen as essential to the long-term development of sports in Eswatini, providing a framework for governance and financial regulation.
“We need to understand what is causing the delay in presenting the sports bill to Parliament,” Shabalala said. “This is a critical piece of legislation that will shape the future of football and all other sports in Eswatini. The sooner we can pass it, the sooner we can begin addressing the systemic issues that are holding back progress.”
The committee, under Shabalala’s leadership, aims to be the driving force behind these discussions, pushing for immediate action and ensuring that the interests of local football are not overlooked in the broader sports governance landscape.
Minister Jane Simelane Responds
In a session that followed Shabalala’s remarks, Acting Minister of Sports, Jane Simelane, addressed the committee with updates on the sports bill and the delayed stadium upgrade projects. Simelane acknowledged the challenges faced in the sector, noting that while the sports bill is moving forward, it has encountered delays due to the complexity of the legislative process.
“The sports bill is progressing, and we are committed to presenting it to Parliament as soon as possible,” Simelane said. “We understand the urgency of the situation and are working diligently to finalize it for submission.”
Regarding the long-delayed stadium upgrades, Simelane explained that funding allocations have been a key factor in the delay. The funds for the project have been disbursed in quarterly instalments, which has slowed down the timeline for completing the necessary infrastructure improvements.
“The stadium upgrade is a priority, but like many public projects, it has been affected by the financial process,” Simelane said. “We are doing everything we can to accelerate the work, but the project will move at the pace of the available funding.”
Simelane’s comments were met with a call for greater transparency and urgency from the committee, particularly in relation to the delivery of infrastructure projects that will serve as a key element in the promotion and professionalization of football in Eswatini.
Football Indaba: A Path to Stability
Shabalala’s call for a football indaba aims to create a platform for all relevant stakeholders to come together and collectively address the current issues in local football. By fostering open dialogue between the Ministry of Sports, the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), clubs, and other key players in the sector, the indaba will seek to find sustainable solutions that balance governance, financial stability, and the needs of the players and fans alike.
The need for such a forum is becoming increasingly urgent. With the legal disputes threatening to derail the sport’s momentum and the governance issues delaying vital reforms, local football finds itself at a crossroads. Shabalala and the Parliament Sports Portfolio Committee are committed to providing the leadership and support necessary to bring about change and chart a path forward for Eswatini’s football league.
As discussions continue, all eyes will be on the forthcoming football indaba to see if it can offer a framework for the long-awaited reforms and the resolution of the challenges that have held back Eswatini football for far too long.
