Late PM wanted 30 000-seater stadium
MBABANE – He must be turning in his grave. Late Prime Minister (PM) Dr. Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini, in his book released on Thursday, speaks about the country’s need for a new stadium.
The book, titled The Political Journey of a Prime Minister, Dlamini highlighted his desire to complete a 30 000-seater stadium in Manzini, which he said was key in the development of football. The book, which was written directly by Dlamini, states that the late PM was optimistic that the new stadium would increase tourism and enhance the image of the country.
“A nation that has access to sport on substantial scale, whether as participants or spectators, is likely to be a healthier nation both emotionally and physically. Regular physical activities are undeniably beneficial to human beings. The ability to play against other nations or to host big sporting events will always help to raise the country’s profile,” he wrote.
The late PM conceived the idea of a new stadium during his 2013 to 2018 tenure. Government made announcement to build the stadium in 2016 and it was allocated space on the land adjacent to Mavuso Sports Centre. It was unveiled as Manzini Stadium. The PM said the stadium would draw the attention of the international sporting fraternity or even attract international matches.
“It draws attention to the country which, in turn, attracts and informs new investment opportunities and tourism growth. With this in mind, one can see the benefit of the planned 30 000-seater sports arena in Manzini that will be constructed on the site adjacent to the Mavuso Sports Centre. It is, of course, somewhat more difficult to relate expenditure on a sports stadium to increased economic growth; but it does make a contribution,” wrote the late PM.
He said in the book that the original expectations had not yet been converted into reality due to financial constraints and fiscal challenges that government was experiencing. He said once the resources were mobilised, the project would proceed with an open tender on a quality and cost basis, and also based on the aesthetic design.
He mentioned that the project construction period was envisaged to be as long as 40 calendar months. The PM further reiterated the importance of upgrading the current Somhlolo National Stadium, which was rejected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after it was found lacking in FIFA standards. FIFA denoted Federation of International Football Associations.
“As I approach the end of my time as PM and having reported on what has been achieved, I need to give some details of what is in the pipeline.
“The quantity and quality of project expenditure in a country should be designed in such a way that it has a direct impact on economic growth and greater prosperity for the people. That is the strategy behind the project expenditure undertaken by government. On earlier pages, I have commented on such work undertaken and completed. It is important to note also the work in progress. I will restrict my comments to the larger items,” the late premier wrote.
The new stadium was projected to cost an estimated E2 billion to construct. Government, under yet another late Prime Minister Mandvulo Dlamini announced another stadium project outside of the 30 000-seater which was among the Millennium Projects for government.
Currently, Eswatini has to use neighbouring South Africa to host matches with Royal Leopard having played their group stage matches at Mbombela Stadium during their recently failed CAF Confederation Cup campaign. The senior national team Sihlangu Semnikati also hosted Somalia in Mbombela during the preliminary two-legged Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 Qualifiers.
The group stage AFCON 2023 Qualifiers resume on May 3 for Eswatini with an away clash in Togo before a home match against Burkina Faso on June 7 this year. If CAF does not change the decision on Somhlolo National Stadium as it failed the venue this week, then it will be back to renting in South Africa. Eswatini Football Association (EFA) is expected to appeal the decision.