BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE– The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has appealed to Government to take responsibility for the salary of the Sihlangu Semnikati head coach, saying financial constraints are limiting the association’s ability to secure an experienced coach for the national team.
EFA President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane made the appeal in his remarks following the successful conclusion of the association’s 2026 Ordinary General Assembly, published in the EFA’s August 2026 Newsletter issued on September 3, 2026.
Simelane said the issue of the Senior Men’s National Team head coach was raised during the General Assembly, particularly in relation to the salary attached to the position.
“I understand the concerns of the delegates. However, our ability to appoint a highly experienced coach is also influenced by the financial resources available to the Association,” Simelane said.
He explained that when appointing a coach, the EFA first has to consider the resources available before identifying a candidate whose remuneration falls within its financial capacity.
“At the same time, we understand that getting a highly experienced coach, who can potentially deliver immediate results, requires a significant financial investment,” he said.
Simelane subsequently called on Government to support the association by taking responsibility for the salary of the Sihlangu head coach.
“For this reason, I once again call upon the Government to support the EFA, particularly by taking responsibility for the salary of the Senior Men’s National Team head coach,” he said.
According to the EFA president, stronger financial backing would put the association in a better position to attract the best possible coach while creating the conditions required to improve the national team’s performance and results.
He said football development required a collective commitment and that while the EFA had a responsibility to continue doing its part, stronger Government support and investment would enable greater progress.
“The EFA has a responsibility to continue doing its part, but with stronger support and investment, particularly from Government, we can do much more for the development of football in Eswatini,” Simelane said.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of broader concerns raised at the General Assembly over the resources available for football development in the country.
Simelane said one of the key concerns raised was the implementation of football development programmes and the financial resources available to support them.
He acknowledged that development was not always being executed at the desired level because, in some instances, the association was constrained by the resources available to it and the funding it received through FIFA and CAF.
The EFA president said the association would therefore continue urging Government and the private sector to provide greater financial support to football.
“If we are serious about developing football, we must invest in our young players from an early age,” Simelane said, stressing the importance of training children from a young age and equipping them with the appropriate techniques and foundations.
He said such investment would help create a stronger pool of players and contribute to building the future of Eswatini football.
Simelane’s remarks effectively place the cost of securing a high-level Sihlangu coach at the centre of the EFA’s appeal for increased Government financial support, with the association arguing that the quality of coach it can attract is directly linked to its financial capacity.
The EFA president concluded by thanking delegates for their participation and contributions during the General Assembly, saying the association would continue working towards the progress and development of football in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
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(Courtesy Pic)
