BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Mbabane residents can watch the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Msunduza Sports Ground, courtesy of the Municipal Council.
Mbabane Mayor, Thulani Mkhonto and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gciniwe Fakudze, announced during a press briefing on June 9, 2026 that the municipality will set up two Fan Parks in Mbabane, Msunduza Sports Ground and the Prince of Wales.
The duo announced that residents may gather for the opening fixture pitting South Africa, affectionately known as Bafana Bafana, and co-hosts, Mexico on Thursday at Msunduza. The Prince of Wales Fan Park has been reserved for the final.
“Opportunities to congregate around something that is exciting and happening globally are rare. As a municipality, we approached the football authorities and applied for a permit to officially host what we call Fan Parks. You may ask yourselves why a municipality would concern itself with Fan Parks. We do so because they provide an opportunity to use sport to build our urban community. Many of us know that when you live in an urban area, the chances of staying outside and playing on the streets are very rare. The chances of getting home and spending hours chatting with neighbours or watching television together are also limited,” said Fakudze.
Therefore, the CEO said when they heared that the World Cup was here, it presented an opportunity for them, as a municipality, to build what we call community. They want to build community through sport.
“Our understanding is that football is one of the greatest community builders of all time. It has been tested and proven across age groups, races, societies and income groups. Football is a common language that we all speak. We therefore want to congregate around football. We are very excited that the World Cup is around the corner; indeed, it is at our doorstep. Today, we are here to announce that, the Mayor, together with councillors and the citizens of Mbabane, we will be hosting two major Mbabane Fan Parks – one for the opening match and another for the closing match.”
She said for the opening one, it was easy because they were all excited and they knew who will be playing. “If you do not know who will be playing, this is your opportunity to find out. It will be South Africa taking on Mexico in the opening fixture.”
The mayor echoed Fakudze’sentiments and added that they were excited that they will be taking this event to one of the most vibrant communities in Mbabane – Msunduza. He said they are calling on communities from all walks of life to come and visit Msunduza. He said many people did not often visit Msunduza, but they hopeed hat on Thursday, they will join them as they gather at Msunduza collectively.
“We will have a well-organised and professionally managed Fan Park. We are inviting Emaswati to come and watch the World Cup together. The gates will open at 4pm, and we will do our best to ensure that the venue is safe and secure. At 6:30pm, will jointly watch the opening ceremony and the countdown to the match. There will be a giant screen, so there will be no need to stream the game on your laptops or mobile phones. We will be watching it together on a real screen, in a stadium atmosphere, with fellow Emaswati cheering and celebrating as one.”
Fakudze noted that it will be a secure environment, with well-lit parking facilities. Food and beverages will be available on site. Importantly, they want to support the local Msunduza economy, and therefore the vendors trading in food and drinks on that day will all come from the Msunduza community.
“We want to show everyone that Msunduza is safe, welcoming and secure. Together, we will watch the opening match at 9pm at the Msunduza Sports Ground, enjoying what we proudly call the Mbabane Fan Park.
She said they were therefore inviting all residents to come. Bring their camp chairs – that is all they will need. Bring their sporting spirit, their love for their team, and their sense of community. Bring their families and their friends, and come together to watch the opening match as one community.
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