The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has purchased a new vehicle for Spanish coach Tomeu Perello Palou, valued at over E600,000. The GWM double-cab bakkie was acquired to facilitate Palou's duties in spearheading FIFA's talent pathway in Eswatini. Palou was unveiled as the country's Technical Development Scheme (TDS) tactician on July 20, 2026. His responsibilities include overseeing and strengthening football development structures across the country.
Palou was deployed by FIFA to lead Eswatini's football development programme, which was introduced in 2023. The programme currently caters for 20 boys and girls based at Evelyn Baring School, selected from across the country's regions. They will also benefit from development activities at four regional centres. Eswatini is one of four countries in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) region selected to benefit from the programme.
EFA Chief Executive Officer Frederick Mngomezulu revealed that the association has spent millions on the TDS programme, including purchasing the new vehicle for Palou. The vehicle will enable Palou to travel to all corners of the country to identify players for the programme. Mngomezulu made the announcement after the 2026 KFC/Scara Thindwa Soccer Foundation presentation for soccer equipment.
The acquisition of the vehicle was confirmed by an EFA executive member, who revealed that it cost over E600,000 and is a GWM vehicle. The vehicle is yet to be handed over to Palou, pending completion of the paperwork. The EFA obtained the funds from FIFA after requesting a loan to buy the car.
Palou has already made an impact, being part of the squad that brought home a silver medal at the 2026 Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The FIFA Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, taking place from October 24 to 30, 2026, will also feature the Under-15 squad that Palou will travel with.
The new vehicle is a GWM double-cab bakkie, with prices for similar models in South Africa ranging from approximately E435,950 to E999,900 for brand-new configurations. The EFA's investment in the vehicle and the TDS programme demonstrates its commitment to developing football in Eswatini.
The EFA's efforts to develop football in the country have been ongoing, with significant investments in programmes and infrastructure. The acquisition of the new vehicle for Palou is part of these efforts, aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent in Eswatini.
Key points
- EFA purchases GWM double-cab bakkie for Spanish coach Tomeu Perello Palou for over E600,000
- Vehicle to facilitate Palou's duties in spearheading FIFA's talent pathway in Eswatini
- EFA invests in TDS programme, including tuition and accommodation for 40 players at Evelyn Baring High School
