BY VUYISWA MABILA
MBABANE – The Scara Thindwa Soccer Foundation, in partnership with KFC, has reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing Eswatini’s next generation of football stars by investing E155 493 in cash prizes and training equipment for schools across the country.
The grand presentation ceremony celebrated the outstanding performances of young athletes from the Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 divisions, rewarding excellence, discipline, and talent on and off the pitch.
In the Under-17 category, Nceka High School walked away with the first prize of E40 313, followed by MDS High School with E28 795, while Ngwane Park secured third place with E17 277, bringing the total to E86 385. In the Under-15 division, Manzini Central claimed the top spot with E20 732, Mhlatane took second with E13 822, and Makhosini came third with E6 911, making a total of E41 465. Meanwhile, in the Under-13 category, Ngwane Central earned the first prize of E13 822, Antioch Primary came second with E9 214, and Lusoti Primary finished third with E4 607, totalling E27 643.
Speaking during the presentation, Foundation representatives emphasized that this investment was more than just a financial gesture — it was a long-term commitment to grassroots sports development and capacity building for schools.
“In sports there is time for preparations because the competition gives them direction on how they have prepared themselves. As Scara Thindwa Foundation, we had to reward those who performed well, and that gives courage to those who did not make it to work harder in the next round,” said Scara Thindwa.
Beyond the prize money, the Foundation — with the support of KFC — also donated training equipment to schools to enhance coaching and practice sessions. Antioch Primary School received pyramid cones, flat cones, hurdles, an agility ladder, bibs, and a passing arc, while Lusoti Primary School received agility ladders, slalom poles, agility hurdles, whistles, and tracksuits.
These donations will support continuous training and ensure that the young athletes are better prepared for future competitions.
Speaking on behalf of the teachers, Nkosinathi Mbuyisa, a teacher from Ngwane Central Primary School, expressed his gratitude, saying the Foundation’s efforts would go a long way in inspiring learners.
“Thank you to Scara Thindwa Foundation and KFC, the football fraternity, as well as the Ministry of Education for allowing the games to be played in schools,” said Mbuyisa. “These kits and the prize money will help bring confidence and ensure better training while boosting morale for our players,” he added.
The event not only celebrated winners but also highlighted the Foundation’s far-reaching influence in transforming lives through sport. Parents, teachers, and community members applauded the initiative, noting how it motivates young athletes to stay disciplined, focused, and goal-oriented.
Through this E155 000 investment, the Scara Thindwa Soccer Foundation, in partnership with KFC, continues to champion youth empowerment — proving that developing young talent is not an expense, but an investment in Eswatini’s sporting future.
