The Somhlolo National Stadium is currently undergoing a critical inspection by CAF, with the future of the iconic venue expected to be clearer by the end of the week.
CAF inspectors arrived in the country earlier this week, with the first official arriving on Sunday and the second joining on Tuesday. The pair were at the stadium yesterday, continuing their assessment of the recently completed renovations.
Speaking during an interview on Eswatini TV yesterday, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima confirmed the CAF team had already begun their work.
“We have welcomed the officials from CAF who are here to inspect the stadium. The first inspector arrived on Sunday and began by reviewing the stadium’s security features, including CCTV cameras and signage related to safety. The second inspector arrived today and is focusing on other aspects of the stadium that still need attention,” he said.
He added that the inspection was expected to conclude today after which the ministry hopes to receive an official report detailing the findings.
“We are crossing our fingers that we will pass this time around and we are ready to improve where needed,” he said.
Renovations to Eswatini’s football Mecca have stretched over nearly five years and have cost close to E120 million, with the aim of meeting FIFA standards to host Category A CAF and FIFA matches and attract major international events.
National teams and CAF inter-club competition representatives, including Nsingizini Hotspurs and Royal Leopard, are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the inspection, which will determine if they can play home matches at the stadium in the upcoming season.
Key upgrades to the stadium include the installation of new FIFA-standard artificial turf, the rehabilitation of floodlights, the construction of a modern media tribune and improvements to the public address system. Additionally, a VVIP hospitality area, new sewer lines and toilets, a VIP gate, a giant screen, a backup generator and a retractable players’ tunnel have been added to meet international standards.
The refurbished stadium was tested earlier this year during the Ingwenyama Cup final between Royal Leopard and Moneni Pirates, as well as the decisive MTN Premier League fixture between eventual champions Nsingizini and relegated Sidvwashini United.
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