SOCCER – THE Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has been summoned to appear before Parliament as part of a wide-ranging investigation into the administration and governance of football in the country.
In a formal communication addressed to PLE Chief Executive Officer Petros ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati, the House of Assembly, through the ministry of sports, culture and youth affairs portfolio committee, has called on the PLE leadership to present itself before the committee today at 10am.
The meeting is scheduled to take place in the Parliament Conference Room.
The directive follows a resolution by the House of Assembly on March 20, mandating the portfolio committee to conduct a thorough inquiry into football governance, with a particular focus on the operations of the Premier League of Eswatini.
The investigation is expected to culminate in a detailed report to be tabled before the House within an agreed timeframe.
Sports portfolio committee acting Chairperson Nathi ‘Mdockies’ Hlophe has instructed the PLE to provide comprehensive information relevant to the inquiry.
The PLE has also been urged to bring all necessary documentation and reference material that may assist the committee during the proceedings.
“The House of Assembly referred to the ministry of sports, culture and youth affairs portfolio committee on March 20, 2026 to inquire or investigate and report, on the above-mentioned matter. I am hereby directed by the acting Chairperson of the portfolio committee Nathi Hlophe to invite you to appear before the committee to share information on the above-mentioned matter.
The meeting will be held on Friday (April 17, 2026) at 10am in the Parliament Conference Room,” reads part of the letter.
At the core of the investigation is a growing concern over governance structures and administrative practices within the domestic top-flight league.
The committee will assess whether the current systems in place promote accountability, transparency and effective leadership in football administration.
A significant portion of the inquiry will focus on the recurring incidents of violence and field encroachment that have marred local football matches in recent times.
“Parliament seeks to establish the root causes of these disturbances and determine whether they stem from negligence, governance failures or breaches of existing regulations. You are further urged to bring along all documentation and reference material, which they may require during your appearance,” reads the letter.
Furthermore, the committee will examine broader challenges affecting football in Eswatini, including the operational difficulties faced by major clubs competing in the Premier League.
Questions have also been raised whether PLE’s constitutional framework adequately supported the appointment of qualified and competent individuals to lead the sport at the highest level.
The effectiveness of current policies, regulations and enforcement mechanisms aimed at maintaining safety and order during matches will also come under scrutiny.
The committee is expected to propose recommendations that will strengthen governance, improve accountability and enhance safety standards across football structures.
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Members of Parliament (MPs) have raised a series of concerns about the state of football in the country, highlighting governance, integrity, safety and development challenges that they believe require urgent attention.
A major issue raised was the integrity of match officiating, with some MPs alleging that certain referees may be involved in bribery.
They argued that such claims, whether proven or not, risk undermining public trust in the sport and could be a contributing factor to tensions and violence during matches.
Legislators called for thorough investigations into these allegations, with proposals for a commission of inquiry to examine both refereeing standards and the broader causes of unrest in football.
“There is a huge need for accountability across all stakeholders. While clubs and supporters are often punished for misconduct, legislators argued that referees and football administrators should equally be held responsible for decisions that may influence match outcomes or trigger conflict,” reads part of the letter.
Violence in football was described as a growing problem that is tarnishing the country’s image internationally.
MPs condemned incidents such as pitch invasions and attacks on referees, warning that these not only endanger lives but also damage the reputation of local sport.
Beyond governance and discipline, legislators expressed concern about the overall decline of football development.
They pointed to the increasing number of local players moving to neighbouring countries as a sign that domestic structures are weakening.
Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Polycarp ‘Phoseka’ Dlamini gave a brief response, stating that they respected the enquiry and would attend.
“We welcome the opportunity to discuss football matters for the betterment of the game. We will be present and take it from there,” he said.
