AFCON U-20 qualifier
Gday dear reader. Next week Friday, the TOTALEnergies U20 AFCON Qualifiers will kick-off here in Eswatini.
This is the road to the finals to be executed in Egypt next year. With the fixture already released by COSAFA, the kick-off is drawing closer.
EFA acknowledges the Eswatini Government, Inyatsi Construction and Eswatini Mobile for their support towards the successful implementation of this competition. We cannot leave out COSAFA and her partners who are COSAFA tv, SABC, Southern Sun and aQuellè. The investment by these organisations will go a long way as this competition will provide the much-needed platform by the players in displaying their football artistry on an international arena.
OOD BENEFITS
A total of 12 countries will be competing for the championship. This competition is not about EFA only but it is a national programme. As we host this TOTALEnergies U20 AFCO Qualifiers, we will also be marketing our country as a nation. Football being a team sport, implies that everyone involved in the team has a crucial role to play. The success of this competition needs team work from all stakeholders.
The ball is now on our court as a country, as we have to play our part and also maximise the opportunities that come with the hosting of this competition. In terms of business, the tourism industry will hugely benefit as some of the hotels will provide hospitality services to the COSAFA delegation, match officials and the international media, among other stakeholders. It is not only the hospitality sector of the economy that will benefit, but other industries as well.
U-20 NATIONAL TEAM
In as much as the preparations are still ongoing, the U20 national team is also busy with its training programme as they prepare for the competition. The national team is already in fulltime camp. Practice matches have been played by the national team and both the technical and players are already looking forward to the competition. As a host country, the focus is on the Eswatini national team as it is always an expectation that the team playing on home turf performs very well in such competitions.
This is the most crucial period where the national team needs us. The support from fans and the public at large is very important. Watching these matches will be free of charge and the presence of fans in the stadia is very important as it also create the much-needed vibe in as far as football is concerned. These matches will be played at the Somhlolo National Stadium and the Mavuso Sports Centre as from October 7-16, 2022. In both venues the first matches will kick-off at noon and the main matches at 3:30pm. Let’s support our boys as we enjoy the beautiful game.
Till next week, football for and safe life for all. all