Mbabane: Eswatini Football Association (EFA) is hoping that government through the Ministry of Health will give them the green light to at least finish the Eswatini Bank Cup quarter-finals.
However, for the MTN Premier League which was left with only eight games it seems a high mountain to climb.
An executive member who preferred anonymity said in their committee meetings it was agreed that the 17th edition of the Eswatini Bank Cup games would wind up in a week. He said the initial plan was that teams would be kept in hotels until the games were finished and when a team is knocked out, that particular team would be allowed to leave the hotel.
“We are hopeful that the Ministry of Health will grant us the permission to finish these games while as yet it is impossible to complete the MTN Premier League games,” said a member of the EFA executive committee who preferred to remain anonymous.
Public relations officer of Eswatini Bank said the bank cannot comment on the matter and requested all questions to be referred to Eswatini Football Association (EFA).
Sought for comment on the issue, (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe, preferred not to comment on the matter saying a resolution will be taken on the meeting which will take place on August 20, 2020, where an important decision will be taken pertaining to the MTN League. The EFA executive committee will also have to decide on the issue of promotion and relegation more so if the League is cancelled.
…About the 17th edition
The 17th edition of the Eswatini Bank Cup dubbed “Idlala Kamnadzi’ was officially launched by the Honorable Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth affairs Hon. Harris Bulunga in an event that was held at the Royal Swazi Spa Convention Centre in Ezulwini.
This event was also attended by the President of the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), Adam Mthethwa, EFA Executive Committee Members, Eswatini Bank Board Members and Management just to mention but a few.
Bulunga, on behalf of His Majesty’s Government acknowledged the Eswatini Bank for partnering with football over the years. Said Bulunga during the launch; “I wish to start off here today Mr. M.D., by expressing, as Government, to the Bank for once again partnering with football and this time for a historic total prize money of E 3.4 Million.” This is an increase of half a million Emalangeni from the previous edition. Bulunga expressed his delight as the Bank didn’t only invest on men’s football but also women’s and youth football. “In addition, by also continuously investing in juniors’ tournament (U-20) and women’s cup, the bank has aligned itself with Government’s goal of making sport accessible to all members of the society, known as Sports for all”, Bulunga said.
As a commitment towards the development of sports in the country, the Hon. Minister highlighted that a lot of ground has been covered in as far as the Sports Bill is concerned and also the rehabilitation of the Somhlolo National Stadium is one of the priorities of the Ministry.
The football family also acknowledged the bank for growing with football. This was stated by the President of the EFA, Adam Mthethwa. Said Mthethwa during the launch; “As football family, we would like to advance, in special standing, our profound gratitude to Eswatini Bank for the now traditional competition in our annual datebook; the Eswatini Bank Cup, 17 years of partnership and religious investment to the development of the game of football is indeed humbling and deserving a special impression.” The President also highlighted that the football family will continue to committee in protecting the investment of the bank to football as it provide a perfect platform of unearthing football talent. More credit was also given to the bank for the continuous investment towards the development of women football in the country. He said they were very ecstatic at the increased investment to women football, a gesture surely, that will be a great driver to increase the number and attractiveness of the women’s football game.
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