SPORTS – The rehabilitation of Somhlolo National Stadium is set to surpass E160 million after government allocated a further E42 million in the 2026/27 national budget to ensure the venue fully complies with Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.
The additional funding was revealed when Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg tabled a E36.9 billion national budget in Parliament.
The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs received E153,654,398, of which E50,750,000 is capital expenditure earmarked for long-term infrastructure projects — including continued works at the stadium and the development of recreational facilities across constituencies.
To date, over E120 million has already been spent on refurbishing the iconic Somhlolo National Stadium, including E32 million specifically directed towards meeting Confederation of African Football requirements.
Key improvements include:
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Installation of a FIFA-standard artificial turf
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Upgraded floodlights
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A modern media tribune
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Improved public address system
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VVIP hospitality area
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Upgraded sewer lines
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VIP gate
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Giant screen
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Backup generator
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Retractable players’ tunnel
These upgrades paved the way for the stadium’s recent re-opening after years of restricted use.
Despite the significant investment, critical areas still require attention before full CAF clearance is granted.
Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima confirmed that government remains in the application process with CAF.
Outstanding issues include:
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Expansion of dressing rooms to required specifications
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Construction of a fully compliant media room from scratch
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Possible installation of additional seating in the eastern “no man’s land” area
While the spectators’ doctors’ room has been completed, consultations are ongoing to ensure full compliance.
“In the previous year, we received E32 million and the job to get the venue to CAF standards was not finished. The budgeted E42 million will eventually help us comply with CAF standards and get all our games to be played on home soil,” Nzima said.
He previously acknowledged that if final approval is delayed, Eswatini may be forced to host matches outside the country temporarily while outstanding concerns are addressed.
There is growing optimism following confirmation that the senior national team, Eswatini national football team, will return to Somhlolo next month to host Eritrea in the preliminary qualifiers of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The fixture marks a significant milestone.
There had been fears that Sihlangu would be compelled to play their home leg in neighbouring South Africa due to stadium compliance issues.
Playing at Somhlolo restores crucial home-ground advantage and signals CAF’s provisional confidence in the upgrades — as already demonstrated by the hosting of CAF inter-club competitions late last year.
Government has set a E10,000 user fee for the refurbished stadium — a move aimed at ensuring sustainable maintenance.
However, the fee has drawn criticism from local Premier League clubs.
Clubs argue that at least 500 paying supporters are required per match to break even, given the standard E30 ticket price. For smaller fixtures, such attendance figures are far from guaranteed.
The concern: while the stadium may soon meet international standards, accessibility for local football could become more difficult.
