Invest in sports, minister urges businesses
MBABANE - The Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, has called on Eswatini businesses to invest in sports.
Nzima said during the launch of the KFC Scara Thindwa Soccer Foundation 2024 Tournament at Mountain View.
He appealed to businesses in Eswatini to support sports and encouraged them to follow KFC Eswatini’s example, stating: “We appeal to businesses in Eswatini to invest in sports. If for example, one company could sponsor each school, it would do good in the development of sports in general.”
Nzima commended KFC Eswatini for its remarkable sponsorship worth E900 000, emphasising the significance of grassroots development and the need for investment in sports at all levels.
Nzima highlighted the comprehensive range of needs that the sponsorship package would cover, including football-related equipment, trophies and prize money for all the competing age groups.
He emphasised the importance of creating a platform for both boys and girls to play in a structured tournament, stating that this investment by KFC Eswatini spoke to the heart of the country’s sporting needs.
Reverend David Matse, Chairperson of the soccer foundation, expressed the foundation’s goals and the importance of collaboration by all stakeholders.
Support
He thanked KFC for its support and acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry of Sports, Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council (ESRC), Eswatini Football Association (EFA), and Eswatini Schools Sports Association (ESSA) to the project. Matse also expressed the desire for small nations like Eswatini to excel in big stage tournaments like the World Cup.
Frederick Mngomezulu, the CEO of EFA, expressed gratitude for KFC’s sponsorship and highlighted the need for resources to drive the foundation’s objectives.
He stressed the importance of developing beyond football and the role of education and training in sports, appealing for collaboration and commitment to develop football at various levels, including schools and national competitions.
Nhlanhla Dlamini, the Eswatini Olympic Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) Representative, expressed gratitude to KFC as a generous sponsor and highlighted the challenges in securing support for sports.
He expressed hope for more business partners to follow KFC’s example.
Thanked
Phila Dlamini, the Minister of Education Representative and Senior Inspector of Sports Business Education, thanked the foundation for its support and stressed the importance of quality sports in schools.
He highlighted the role of sports in developing leadership qualities and its impact on employment opportunities.
Darius Dhlomo, the CEO of ESRC, highlighted the importance of preserving the legacy of sports personalities and announced preparations for sports awards.
He emphasised Scara Thindwa’s achievements and the need to celebrate and honour his contributions.