BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – Sibebe Resort has tightened its relationship with the Hhohho Regional Football Association (HRFA) by unveiling a new E50 000 sponsorship for a grassroots football initiative aimed at nurturing young talent in the region.
The sponsorship will support a new knockout tournament dubbed the Sibebe Resort Knockout Tournament – Atilime Tiyetjeni, specifically targeting football teams under the Mdzimba zone.
The tournament is expected to provide a platform for young players to develop and potentially progress into national team selections.
The official launch of the tournament took place at Sigwaca House in Mbabane, drawing stakeholders from various sectors including Eswatini Football Association (EFA) CEO Frederick Mngomezulu, HRFA Chairman Dr. Comfort Shongwe, Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba, Sibebe Resort representatives, HRFA executive members, and delegates from the Hhohho lower leagues.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Comfort Shongwe expressed gratitude to Sibebe Resort for choosing to support the Mdzimba teams. He pointed out that the partnership was not a donation, but a mutually beneficial collaboration that required the football fraternity to market the resort in return. He highlighted the importance of using the venue for hosting matches and corporate gatherings, while also urging teams to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Dr. Shongwe further emphasized the long-term vision of developing young players, stating that short-term activities should feed into a broader developmental goal aimed at producing quality athletes for the national team, Sihlangu.
EFA CEO Frederick Mngomezulu welcomed the sponsorship, describing it as a step in the right direction. He said the EFA was committed to extending football’s reach to every corner of the country. Mngomezulu stated that good football was expected to emerge from the tournament and noted that even referees would benefit from the experience. He commended Sibebe Resort for laying a solid foundation and encouraged more companies to emulate this kind of support at grassroots level. He added that discussions were underway to possibly extend the tournament’s time frame to ensure more structured development.
Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba applauded the sponsorship, congratulating the Mdzimba teams for securing such support. He revealed that all teams in the zone would participate in the tournament. Lushaba further stated that Sibebe Resort played a vital role in the local economy by employing residents from the surrounding community.
On infrastructural matters, the MP acknowledged public concern about the condition of the road leading to Sibebe Resort. He assured attendees that government had agreed to rehabilitate the road and a contractor would soon begin work on-site. Lushaba also disclosed plans to clear land for a new sports ground, noting that efforts were being made to secure diesel for the operation.
In his closing remarks, the MP urged teams to keep politics out of football and to focus on personal and professional development. He encouraged community members to engage in constructive dialogue at the inkhundla centre and to contribute to building well-maintained sports facilities, including clean and proper toilets.
The Sibebe Resort Knockout Tournament – Atilime Tiyetjeni is expected to kick off soon, offering hope for emerging football stars in the region and marking a significant investment in grassroots sports development.
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