BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI – Government has hailed the increasing involvement of the private sector in the development of sport, describing corporate investment as a critical pillar in strengthening football structures and creating opportunities for young athletes across the country.
Speaking during the 2025/26 MulaSport National First Division (NFD) Awards Ceremony, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, commended MulaSport for its significant sponsorship of the National First Division, valued at E4.5 million over three years.
Nzima said the investment was already making a visible impact despite the partnership only being in its first year, adding that it demonstrated the important role businesses can play in advancing sport development.
“I wish to commend MulaSport for its remarkable commitment to football development through a sponsorship valued at E4.5 million over three years. Although this is only the first year of this partnership, its impact is already evident,” he said.
The minister noted that private sector support remains essential in helping sports organisations create opportunities for athletes while improving the quality and competitiveness of local competitions.
His remarks came as stakeholders gathered to celebrate a successful National First Division season, which culminated in the inaugural awards ceremony honouring outstanding players, officials and clubs.
Nzima also congratulated the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) and MulaSport for successfully organising the competition and the awards event.
The minister praised the introduction of the playoff system, saying it had injected new excitement and competitiveness into the league. He said clubs were motivated to remain competitive throughout the campaign because finishing among the top five carried significant implications for promotion prospects.
According to Nzima, such healthy competition helps raise standards both on and off the field while contributing to the overall growth of Eswatini football.
He further highlighted the National First Division’s importance as a key development platform within the country’s football pyramid, serving as a bridge between regional leagues and the Premier League.
“It is particularly encouraging to note that during the recent transfer windows, several talented players earned promotion from this division into Premier League clubs,” he said.
The minister described the movement of players into top-flight football as evidence that the league is fulfilling its developmental mandate by producing quality talent capable of competing at higher levels.
He extended congratulations to the clubs that secured promotion to the Premier League, saying their achievement was a reward for dedication, hard work and consistency throughout the season.
Individual award winners were also recognised for their excellence and commitment, with Nzima saying their achievements would inspire young people across Eswatini to pursue their sporting dreams.
Looking ahead, the minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to working closely with football authorities, sponsors and other stakeholders to strengthen football structures, improve talent development programmes and expand opportunities for young athletes.
“As Government, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment for sport to flourish,” he said.
Nzima concluded by congratulating the league champions, promoted clubs and award recipients, expressing confidence that their achievements would inspire the next generation of Eswatini footballers while demonstrating the positive impact that strong partnerships between government and the private sector can have on sport development.
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