It is the second bite at the cherry for Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane, who has secured another four-year term in office.
With his re-election, we extend our congratulations, but this time, we also raise our expectations. This is not just another term; it is an opportunity for redemption.
Simelane has been granted a fresh mandate, but not a clean slate. The mistakes of the past four years are glaring, and they must be corrected. He now has the benefit of experience, and he must use it to usher in a new era for Eswatini football.
There is no more room for excuses. It’s time for Simelane to crack the whip and ensure everyone within the EFA is pulling their weight. If that means letting go of underperformers, so be it. Loyalty must no longer come at the expense of progress.
From the ongoing issues with national team coach Zdravko Logarušić’s contract to the glaring lack of a sponsor for Sihlangu, EFA’s failures have been both public and painful. These are not minor oversights but strategic shortcomings that demand decisive leadership.
Our national team languishes in triple-digit FIFA rankings. That on its own is unacceptable. We must aim for double digits and with urgency. We have done it before, and we can do it again.
We are encouraged by His Majesty King Mswati III’s rare but powerful comments during the recent Ingwenyama Cup prize ceremony, when he asked:
“When will Sihlangu finally qualify for a major tournament like AFCON or the World Cup?”
That was not ceremonial. It was a royal directive. The King’s words were a national call to action. The only proper response is action, not excuses.
Congratulations and Responsibility
Congratulations to Simelane on his re-election. The affiliates have shown faith in you with your 27 votes, narrowly surpassing Mashumi Shongwe’s 21. This vote of confidence must not be taken lightly.
We also welcome the new members of the EFA Executive Committee. Your election was not easy, and now that you are in, we expect results and nothing less.
With Simelane back at the helm, we hope to see a restructured, reinvigorated EFA. His experience and knowledge of football administration must now translate into meaningful change. That will only happen through a robust, results-driven approach.
A Second Chance Not to Waste
EFA has lost public confidence amid allegations of financial mismanagement and questionable decision-making. Simelane and his team must confront these issues head-on. This is your second chance. Don’t waste it.
Figures like Steve Horton and Nkosingiphile Shongwe bring credibility and could play crucial roles in guiding the ship. But make no mistake: it will take unity, vision and courage to steer Eswatini football in the right direction.
We stand behind you, but we will not stay silent. Expect scrutiny, expect pressure, and accept criticism. That’s part of leadership.
Integrity is more than honesty. It is a commitment to a mission, a vision and a purpose. Transparency and inclusive governance are no longer optional; they are necessary.
At the Eswatini Observer Sports Desk, we remain committed to working with the new EFA leadership, but we will also continue to hold you accountable.
You have been given a second chance. Now is the time to deliver. We wish you and your team the strength, wisdom and resolve to lead Eswatini football forward.
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