Lobamba – Yesterday, Thursday October 2, 2025, Somhlolo National Stadium was the stage for the African launch of the Goal Getters Take Your Shot, Win the Match campaign, an initiative by UEFA and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, designed to build vaccine awareness through the power of football.
About 400 children from schools participating in the CAF African Schools Football Championship were treated to a day that blended football, music and Eswatini’s local culture with health education. The event addressed a pressing issue in the kingdom, where statistics show one in four children miss out on essential childhood vaccinations.
British-Nigerian football executive, broadcaster and former England international striker Eniola Aluko, who is serving as UEFA Ambassador, led the launch. “Goal Getters shows football’s incredible potential to drive positive change across society,” she said. “By teaching young footballers about the life-saving power of vaccines, we’re also delivering the same messages to their families and communities.”
Speaking to the Independent News Eswatini, Aluko explained why she accepted the role. “I have always believed that football is a huge social tool. It is not just a game on the pitch, it has the power to transform off the pitch. This programme brings football and education together with vaccinations, which is why I wanted to be part of it,” she said.
She stressed the proven benefits of immunisation, pointing out that 90 percent of young women who receive the cervical cancer vaccine are protected from the disease. “I hope that children in Eswatini take away confidence in vaccinations. If they are the right age and have not yet received them, I hope this programme will encourage that decision,” she added.
Aluko said football was particularly well placed to deliver such messages. “Football is a unifier. It can reach children who are otherwise hard to reach, bring schools together and make learning fun. Delivering education from a stadium in this way is memorable and effective,” she said.
On her first visit to Eswatini, Aluko described the kingdom as beautiful, quiet and peaceful. “Every day I have tried to learn something new about Eswatini’s culture and history. It is such a special place and I definitely want to come back. Before I leave, I am looking forward to exploring some sites and learning more about the country,” she said.
The former Chelsea striker also spoke passionately about women’s football, urging investment in national teams and facilities to unlock Africa’s potential. “National teams inspire success, which creates a knock-on effect on development. Africa has so much talent. Nigeria has an amazing national team, Zambia has players like Barbra Banda, and I believe Eswatini can also nurture its talent if the right structures are in place,” she said.
Reflecting on her own career, Aluko recalled how she began playing football at just four years old in England. “Nobody taught me. It was a gift from God. I grew up playing with boys, and my mother always encouraged me even though it was unusual for girls to play. Parents should encourage their daughters and create the right environment. That’s how talent develops,” she said.
She also offered advice for young players in Eswatini: “Just keep practising. I was always in the garden playing football, always at school kicking the ball. I was obsessed with football, and that passion is what made me succeed.”
Aluko also commented on the English Premier League season, tipping Liverpool as favourites. “I can’t see past Liverpool right now. They won last year, and with players like Isak and Etikete scoring so many goals, their team is almost unfairly strong. I hope Chelsea improve, but Liverpool are leading,” she said.
She concluded by stressing that the Goal Getters campaign was about both joy and responsibility. “Football gives children joy, but it also gives us a platform to talk about health in a way that stays with them. This is about building confidence in vaccines, saving lives and protecting the next generation,” she said.
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