Summary 1. Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Polycarp ‘Phoseka’ Dlamini has appealed to the Ministry of Sports to reconsider the newly introduced E10,000 match-day rental fee for Somhlolo National Stadium. 2. Dlamini argues that the fee places an unsustainable financial burden on clubs, noting that teams would need at least 350 paying fans just to break even on the rental cost alone.
SOCCER – PREMIER League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Polycarp ‘Phoseka’ Dlamini has appealed to the ministry of sports, culture and youth affairs to reconsider the recently introduced E10 000 match-day rental fee for Somhlolo National Stadium.
Dlamini said the cost placed a heavy financial burden on clubs, many of which already operated on limited budgets.
He explained that for a team to break even on the stipulated fee alone, at least 350 supporters would need to attend a match, assuming a ticket price of E30.
He said such numbers were usually only achievable during high profile fixtures, leaving most Category B and C matches unlikely to generate sufficient revenue.
While acknowledging the prestige and value of playing at the country’s flagship stadium, Dlamini said the pricing may be unsustainable for many local teams.
“The stadium is an important national asset and every club wants to play there but the current fee structure makes it very difficult for teams to afford.”
He warned that the high costs could force clubs to move matches to alternative venues far from their home bases, increasing travel and logistical expenses and further straining finances.
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Dlamini emphasised that the league was not challenging the ministry’s authority but was instead seeking constructive engagement.
“We are not imposing ourselves on the ministry in any way. We respect their policies and decisions. However, we believe there is room for dialogue and we hope the amount can be reconsidered,” he said.
Dlamini added that the Premier League had yet to formally engage the ministry but plans to do so through the proper channels.
He stressed that government had a responsibility to ensure young people and communities had access to sporting facilities that promoted positive activities.
Although the league was not consulted as a major stakeholder, Dlamini said clubs remained eager to use Somhlolo despite the financial challenges.
He also urged supporters and stakeholders to handle the matter responsibly and avoid taking grievances to social media, saying this could be viewed as disrespectful.
“We plead with everyone to allow the process to unfold respectfully. Constructive engagement through the proper channels is the best way forward,” he said.
The Premier League remains hopeful that continued dialogue will produce a balanced solution that supports both football development and the upkeep of national sporting facilities.
Facts on the Topic
- The Math: At a standard ticket price of E30, a club needs exactly 334 paying fans to generate E10,020. This covers only the stadium rental, not security, referees, transport, or player allowances.
- The Venue: Somhlolo National Stadium is the only venue in Eswatini that has historically met CAF requirements for certain international matches (though it has faced bans for renovations). It is considered the “spiritual home” of Eswatini football.
- Category B & C Matches: In Eswatini football, “Category A” matches usually involve the big giants (Mbabane Swallows, Mbabane Highlanders, Manzini Wanderers). Category B and C matches involve smaller security forces or regional teams, where crowd attendance often dips below 300 people, making the E10,000 fee a guaranteed loss for those clubs.
