By Themba Zwane
MBABANE – Basadi Group, through its Chairman Senator Siphelele Mkhonta, has launched a historic E300 000 sponsored Mbabane Regional Soccer Knockout Tournament, marking a major boost for grassroots football development.
The initiative was officially announced at Sigwaca House, where the chairman unveiled the inaugural regional knockout tournament aimed at empowering young people through sport.
Among those present at the launch were the Speaker of Parliament and Mhlangatane Member of Parliament (MP) Madala Mhlanga. Other legislators included Mbabane MP Welcome Dlamini, Mayiwane MP Sicelo “Khungankhosi” Dlamini, Nkhaba MP Hope Shiba, and Motshane MP Wilton Nkambule. Also in attendance were Civil Service Commission Chairman Simanga Mamba, Mbabane Mayor Thulani Mkhontfo, and Mbabane Municipal Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gciniwe Fakudze, among other dignitaries.
“Today, we return not out of obligation, but out of gratitude,” said Senator Mkhonta. “For us as a company, Corporate Social Responsibility is not a slogan. It is a core pillar of how we do business, integrating ethical values, social responsibility, and community upliftment into our operations.”
He explained that Basadi Group has, over the years, quietly supported various initiatives on a smaller scale.
“Today marks a significant step forward. This is our first major initiative dedicated specifically to youth development, using sport, particularly football, as a tool for empowerment, inclusion, and hope,” he said.
Mkhonta noted that football has proven, both locally and globally, to be a viable source of livelihood.
“We have seen young people rise from local pitches to professional leagues. Some have gone on to serve in our security forces and other sectors, while others have pursued opportunities beyond our borders, earning a dignified living through sport,” he added.
He further revealed that the partnership with the Hhohho Regional Football Association followed extensive discussions, which eventually resulted in a three-season sponsorship agreement. The E300 000 sponsorship will be disbursed as E100 000 per season.
Under the tournament structure, champions will receive E25 000, while runners-up will take home E12 000. The third-placed team will earn E8 000, and the fourth-placed team E5 000. Teams eliminated at the quarterfinal stage will each receive E2 500, while those knocked out in the round of 16 will get E1,500 each. Teams eliminated in the round of 32 will receive a consolation prize of E1,000 each.
