SOCCER – For now and for the foreseeable future, the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) and its member clubs are not permitted to rent the refurbished Somhlolo National Stadium.
This comes despite the venue being open for national teams and clubs competing in CAF inter-club competitions.
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Last week, Somhlolo hosted Sihlangu’s thrilling 2–2 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Angola, in which Justice ‘Figa’ Figareido scored both goals for Eswatini.
The historic venue also returned to the continental stage after a seven-year hiatus, recently hosting Royal Leopard’s emphatic 5–0 victory over Namibia’s Young African in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.
Meanwhile, Nsingizini Hotspurs advanced after defeating Zimbabwean champions Simba Bhora on penalties in the CAF Champions League.
With these matches, both the national team and local clubs have finally begun enjoying home advantage once again.
Ministry Clarifies Stadium Rental Ban
Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Communications Officer, Phumaphi Msweli, clarified that the stadium remains unavailable for rental.
“No, Somhlolo is not yet open for rental. However, once there are developments regarding this, you will be notified. There are ongoing works, as highlighted during the CAF inspection,” said Msweli.
He also dismissed reports claiming rental fees had been set at E10 000.
“There is currently no official instrument issued by government through the ministry that speaks to rental fees,”
he added.
PLE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat Vilakati said the league could not comment at this stage.
“As we have not received any correspondence, I request not to comment,” said Vilakati.
The PLE now faces a congested fixture list following the expansion of both the Premier League and the National First Division to 16 clubs each.
Over E120 Million Spent on Upgrades
According to the ministry’s latest quarterly report to Parliament, the refurbishment of Somhlolo National Stadium has now exceeded E120 million.
An additional E32 million was allocated to ensure the facility meets CAF standards.
“Of the E35 586 000 allocated for capital expenditure, E32 000 000 was dedicated to the ongoing upgrades at Somhlolo National Stadium to meet both CAF and FIFA standards,” reported Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima in Parliament.
Over the years, Somhlolo has undergone extensive renovations, including:
– A new FIFA-standard artificial turf
– Upgraded floodlights
– A new media tribune
– Improved PA system
– VVIP hospitality area
– Sewer lines, media room, VIP gate
– Giant screen, backup generator, and retractable tunnel
These investments bring the total spend to over E120 million.
CAF has since granted temporary approval for Eswatini to host international matches at Somhlolo, pending completion of outstanding works.
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