BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– Eswatini football is set for new growth opportunities following a strategic partnership between Radisol Global Investment (RGI) and the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), aimed at strengthening clubs, attracting investment and advancing player development.
The partnership was officially launched at The George Hotel in Manzini on October 15, 2026, with RGI appointed as the PLE’s Strategic Commercialisation and Development Partner.
The initiative seeks to build stronger relationships between football and the private sector, while creating a sustainable foundation for the game and expanding its contribution to youth empowerment and economic development.
Speaking during the launch, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima said football had an important role to play in national development through its influence on communities, young people and businesses.
“Football is deeply embedded in the lives of our people. It brings communities together. It gives young people purpose and aspiration. It provides opportunities for talent development. It creates economic activity and gives Eswatini a platform through which we can connect with the region and the wider world,” he said.
Nzima said the Premier League’s significance extended beyond the 90 minutes played on the field, as its success affected clubs, players, coaches, supporters, communities and businesses.
He welcomed the partnership, noting that RGI’s business-development expertise could help the PLE strengthen its engagement with the private sector while allowing football leadership to focus on its core responsibilities.
“The stronger our clubs become organisationally and commercially, the stronger our league becomes. And a stronger league creates a better environment for players, coaches and supporters,” Nzima said.
He urged clubs to embrace the initiative, emphasising that the development of football must ultimately improve opportunities for players through better coaching, scouting, technical training and player welfare.
The minister also highlighted the importance of investing in women’s football and grassroots programmes to ensure that more young people benefit from the sport.
PLE Chairperson Polycarp Dlamini said the partnership presented an opportunity to empower young people and unlock economic opportunities through football.
He said a stronger football sector could benefit clubs and communities while creating new opportunities for young people to participate in the broader sports industry.
RGI Managing Director Puleng Mogape emphasised that sustainable football development required strategic investment, professional management and reliable revenue streams.
Her remarks highlighted the importance of establishing sound business structures that can support clubs and strengthen the long-term stability of the local game.
Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter Samora Simelane urged stakeholders to look beyond the playing field and invest in the structures needed to develop talent from grassroots level.
Simelane stressed that infrastructure and effective youth development pathways were essential to building a stronger football system and preparing young players for higher levels of competition.
The partnership presents an opportunity to strengthen Eswatini’s football ecosystem while expanding its contribution to employment, business development and community empowerment.
Its success will depend on effective implementation and collaboration among the partners, clubs, Government and other stakeholders, with tangible benefits expected to be reflected in stronger clubs and improved opportunities for players.
As the initiative takes shape, the focus will be on translating the partnership’s objectives into practical outcomes that support local talent and build a stronger future for football across the Kingdom.
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