Building stadium a strong priority – Neal
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MBABANE- Contrary to popular belief, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg has proven that he does indeed care about sports in the country.
Just five days after delivering his budget speech, where he allocated over E68 million to sports from the overall budget of over E29 billion, Minister Rijkenberg has reassured the sports fraternity that sports will always be a priority when considering budget allocations.
In an exclusive interview with this publication, the Finance minister stated, he was deeply embarrassed by the necessity for the national team Sihlangu or CAF representative teams to travel outside the country to play home games.
He emphasised the importance of soccer, stating that it was the most critical sport and that it did not do justice to the nation’s pride. He also stressed the negative impact it had on the team’s coffers when they host away from home. “I acknowledge the significant financial burden imposed on teams when they are compelled to play their matches outside the country.” Rijkenberg said.
When it comes to the financial burden of hosting the national team outside the country, they would need to cover expenses exceeding E200 000 for stadium fees, training and accommodations at the nearest stadium, which happens to be Mbombela Stadium, as they prepare to host Somalia in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. “Building
a stadium capable of hosting international games and meeting CAF and FIFA standards is a strong priority,” Minister Rijkenberg firmly stated.
Youth
He recognised the significance of sports in bringing people together, engaging the youth, alleviating stress, promoting fitness, and reducing hospitalisations.
The minister also expressed openness to public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements or structures, that can support the sports industry. He emphasised the need for the industry to expand and include all elements of sports. Additionally, he expressed his desire to support people with disabilities, mentioning ongoing discussions with the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) to secure a sponsor for them.
Minister Rijkenberg reiterated the critical role of the Ministry of Sports and pledged their continued support.
The largest share of the sports budget, E35 million, was allocated to the refurbishment of Somhlolo National Stadium. The Minister of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, confirmed that these funds would be utilised to complete the necessary renovations to the country’s soccer Mecca by June, ensuring the stadium was ready to host international games after CAF inspection.
The Eswatini Sports and Recreational Council (ESRC) received the second-largest share of the budget, approximately E19 million. The commitment shown by Minister Rijkenberg and the allocation of significant funds to sports development in Eswatini is a promising sign for the future of sports in the country.