By Vuyiswa Mabila
MBABANE – The Eswatini Schools Soccer Association (ESSA) has issued a strong call for discipline among participating schools during upcoming soccer games. This comes as the association was launching the InstaCash Top 16 draw, which took place at Sigwaca House Hall.
During the event, the ESSA president emphasized the importance of fair play and integrity in school sports, urging all schools to adhere to the rules and uphold the spirit of the game. He also warned against the use of “muthi” (traditional medicine or rituals), highlighting that such practices undermine the integrity of the competition.
Speaking at the event President Zakhele Myeni said that discipline is key and encourages school to take pride in that. “As an association we would like to extend our plea to schools that discipline is very important during the games. Violence and anything that will tanish the need of the association such as fielding students who are no longer scholars is discouraged. He said. “For schools who would be found doing that would face hard consequences which may cost them everything that they have worked for. They might forfeit all that they are supposed to benefit and hard steps would be taken because we expect to see full time students only.” Said Myeni.
He further warned against the use of special projects, stating that it is of great concern . “The issue of special projects is a great concern. Here we want to unearth natural talents, we do not want to hear cases of anything like that or hear that schools has used muthi or went to certain traditional healer of some sort. So we plead with schools to maintain a fair play amongst the student.” Said added.
The warning comes as ESSA aims to promote clean, fair, and disciplined sportsmanship among schools across the country. The association hopes that by maintaining strict standards, it will not only protect the image of school soccer but also help instill positive values in young athletes.
As the tournament progresses, ESSA has vowed to remain vigilant and take decisive action against any misconduct, ensuring a level playing field for all participants.
