ͶͲͲ ƒŽŽ‘™ƒ…‡•
MANZINI – Executive commitee members and referees allowances have exhausted half of the total income of the Manzini Regional Football Association (MRFA).
The organisation’s financial statement presented in yesterday’s elective general assembly at Salesian High School in Manzini reflected a E883 864 total income and E868 719 expenditure, leaving the organisation with a total surplus of only E15 137. A lion’s share of the money (E416 336) was spent in executive and referees’ allowances. At least E215 264 of this amount, which is about 60 per cent, was payable to referees as allowances, while the executive members’ sitting allowances were at E201 072.
The financial statement was presented by Tendai Chimwanza from FIPS Chattered Accountants.
The major source of income for the organisation came from the team’s affiliation fees which added up to E385 934.
Sponsorship
MRFA received E266 809 grants and a meagre sponsorship of only E5 000. As explained by Chimwanza, the outstanding fees of E221 336 was brought forward as income that was expected to be recovered. In comparison to last financial year, MRFA made E216 709 surplus, because they had received over 50 per cent of the grants from the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) that injected E635 644.
Chimwanza highlighted the financial challenges that were derailing development of clubs and local football standard. He advised the clubs to brainstorm on income generating strategies to help sustain the teams and cater for all their needs.
“Our football needs help. All teams must have parastatals who will invest money and help them be accountable for all income and expenditure with credible records. Teams must come up with strategies or else this situation will be prevalent for years to come,” Chimwanza said.
The outgoing Chairman Johaness Siboza also encouraged the teams to collaborate with the MRFA in scouting for sponsors. Siboza further appreciated the EFA’s financial assistance, hinting that without their help, football resumption would not have been possible this year.