‘Digger’ launches soccer foundation

EZULWINI – The work towards producing world-class players has begun.

Atibuye Emasisweni Soccer Foundation, which is a brain-child of former national team Sihlangu Captain Josiah ‘Digger’ Dlamini, was officially launched at the SibaneSami Hotel yesterday.

The event was graced by the presence of Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council (ESRC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darius Dlomo, Eswatini Schools Sports Association (ESSA) President Zakhele Myeni, the foundation’s main sponsor in Samuel family representative Khetsiwe Samuel, teachers as well as former elite league players.

Atibuye Emasisweni Soccer Foundation

Manager ‘Digger’ revealed that the idea of setting up the foundation came when he was in Rustenburg in 2014, with other legends, discussing the welfare of former players after they had retired from the sport.

“When I came back I discussed this on Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services with Nkonotje (Donatus Zwane) on his programme styled ‘Down Memory Lane’,” Dlamini said.

Formed

He said he was then called by Zwane, to inform him that the Samuel family wanted to engage them and this was how the foundation was formed.

Dlamini said he then engaged the legends, who showed interest in the idea and they then identified the schools to start with the project. “This project will run for the next seven years as we are focusing on the Under-9s on both genders, who we will be climbing the seven years together until we get the desired product (sic),” he said.

Dlamini further disclosed that they engaged a lawyer, who helped them register the foundation as well as informing the relevant stakeholders, which were the ESRC, Eswatini Football Association (EFA), ESSA and the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.

Meanwhile, Dlamini was quoted earlier this week saying they wanted to produce players who would represent the country at the highest continental and global competitions.

On the other hand, ‘Digger’ disclosed that the legends would, through the assistance of sponsors, get a monthly salary of E3 000.