Mbabane: Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries Madze Bulunga has re-assured the nation that Somhlolo National Stadium will be ready for international events by 2021. The renovation of the stadium is expected to be completed before the next Ingwenyama Cup takes place next year.
Bulunga was speaking during the Ingwenyama Cup presentation last week, held at Happy Valley Hotel. Bulunga said as the Ministry they are working tireless to make sure that when the pandemic eases, they want the stadium to be on good playing standard as the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) needs it to be. The country’s biggest soccer mercer was banned from hosting official international games by the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) back in 2018. It was declared a health hazard and poses danger to its users, who are the officials and players.
These could be soon the thing of the past as the Minister assured the nation that work is in progress to make sure that all CAF concerns are met. ”I can assure the nation that the Somhlolo National Stadium won’t be the problem anymore. It will be fixed by the time the next edition of Ingwenyama Cup take place.” Bulunga said.
When sought for comment, the Ministry’s Communication Officer Sibongiseni Zondi affirmed that the renovations started before the COVID-19 outbreak. “Work was halted when the government suspended some business due to the outbreak of the virus but after the lockdown was eased the companies resumed the renovations.” Zondi said.
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