Somhlolo almost ready for public use
MBABANE – It is all good news for the sporting industry as the Somhlolo National Stadium is getting close to readiness.
The Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga announced yesterday that phase two of the stadium’s rehabilitation was complete and soon they would be done with phase three. That will see the construction of a new, modern wall fence with automated entry points and the construction of a new sewer line.
It is almost two years since the closer of the venue due to the renovations and FIFA/ CAF ban. The second phase of the rehabilitation began in 2021 and included the installation of a brand new artificial turf, installation of a brand new synthetic running track, construction of a media tribune and installation of a new public address system.
Progress
Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Communications Officer Sibongiseni Zondo, in a press statement, said the Ministry’s Principal Secretary Prince Mlayeto yesterday led a tour of the stadium to view the progress already made.
“The completion of phase two means we will soon be able to reopen the stadium for public use and we are excited about the prospects of welcoming the different sections of the nation which use this much-loved venue. Our rehabilitation of the stadium will continue with phase three to begin. This is part of our efforts to modernise the stadium and ensure that emaSwati have access to adequate sporting infrastructure,” he said.
Since 2018, the Ministry’s rehabilitation of the stadium has also seen the installation of new floodlights as well as the refurbishment of the Stadium’s entire backroom area which consists of dressing rooms, media rooms and VIP suites.
The stadium has been missed by domestic football as is it where big games and finals are held. The ban of the stadium by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA has seen the national team, Sihlangu, and CAF inter-club tournaments’ envoys hosting their home matches away in South Africa.