WE’RE LETTING KING DOWN - MP WELCOME
Mbabane East MP advocates for vetting of international players
MBABANE - During a recent session with the Parliament’s Sports Portfolio Committee, Welcome Dlamini, Mbabane East MP, shared his deep concerns about the current state of sports in the country, focusing particularly on the national football team, Sihlangu.
Expressing his disillusionment, Dlamini stated: “I have refrained from attending Sihlangu matches due to their consistent underperformance. “It is disheartening, especially when considering the success achieved by other countries in competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Crucial
The Member of Parliament (MP) emphasised the political significance of sports, referring to Sihlangu as a crucial national asset that should not be neglected. “Sports is politics. As a country, we have this political weapon called Sihlangu, and we are not using it. In fact, we have contributed to the position where it is at.
“It is in shambles. Minister, take the Sihlangu issue seriously, do not take it lying down, more so because it is called Sihlangu Semnikati.
“We know the worth of Sihlangu, and let us not fail the owner of Sihlangu. The way we are handling it, we are letting down the King,” Dlamini said.
Furthermore, the MP stressed the importance of vetting international players and coaches to ensure the promotion of local talent and the maintenance of high standards within the leagues.
Engage
He questioned the influx of average players and coaches from outside the border, urging government to engage with the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) and other stakeholders to address these concerns.
“The late Mbabane Swallows Director, Victor Gamedze, demonstrated that Sihlangu and football can have a significant impact on the continent, elevating Swallows to become a household name in Africa. I am not a Swallows fan. Soccer used to carry political significance, and we used to be concerned about our national team, but now there is nothing. Today, nobody cares. Why would I go to the stadium?”
Shift
Addressing the issue of alcohol consumption among players and management, Dlamini called for a shift towards treating football as a business and emphasised the need to secure grants to support the development of local teams.
Additionally, Dlamini expressed his apprehension about foreign leadership within local teams and questioned the renovations of the Somhlolo National Stadium, calling for updates on the concerns raised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
In conclusion, Dlamini emphasised the need for a comprehensive report on the Shukuma Programme, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues to revive and elevate the standard of soccer in the country.