Eswatini Sports Ministry Disputes PLE's Decision to Postpone Charity Cup Finals

The Eswatini Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs has expressed disagreement with the Premier League of Eswatini's (PLE) decision to postpone the Charity Cup finals at Somhlolo National Stadium due to heavy rainfall. According to the ministry, the stadium's drainage system, certified by FIFA, was functioning properly and could have allowed play to resume after a short delay. The ministry's Communications Officer, Phumaphi Msweli, stated that some surface water runoff was normal after heavy rainfall.

The Charity Cup finals were postponed on Sunday after heavy rainfall left the Somhlolo National Stadium pitch waterlogged. The first final between Nkwene Sundowns and Lozitha Spurs had started, with 13 minutes played, when the referee stopped the match. The second final, featuring Mbabane Highlanders AM and Nsingizini Hotspurs, was scheduled for 4 pm but did not get underway. Msweli suggested that the PLE had called off the matches prematurely, arguing that a short delay could have allowed play to resume.

The ministry has ruled out reducing the stadium booking fee or compensating the PLE for the disruption to the programme. Msweli explained that the ministry charges for stadium bookings per event rather than per individual match. She stated that the fact that some games were affected by the rainfall did not warrant a reduction in the fee, particularly as other matches had been played as scheduled.

PLE Chief Executive Officer Petros Vilakati said the postponement was necessitated by the poor condition of the pitch following heavy rainfall. He explained that after assessing the state of the playing surface, they had no option but to call off the remaining matches. Vilakati stated that the new date for the matches would be announced in consultation with football stakeholders.

The ministry's stance on the matter has been met with fans hoping for a reduced booking fee if the PLE had to rebook the stadium to complete the outstanding finals. However, Msweli made it clear that the PLE would have to pay the full applicable booking fee should it wish to secure the venue again. She emphasized that the event booking fee remains applicable and no reduced fee or compensation will be granted.

The postponement of the Charity Cup finals has sparked debate among football fans and stakeholders. While some agree with the PLE's decision, others believe that the ministry's suggestion to wait for a short while could have allowed play to resume. The incident has highlighted the challenges of hosting football matches in Eswatini, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

The Eswatini Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs and the PLE will need to work together to resolve the issue and find a solution for the affected teams and fans. The ministry's insistence on the full booking fee and the PLE's decision to postpone the matches have raised questions about the future of football in Eswatini.

Key points

• The Eswatini Ministry of Sports disputes the PLE's decision to postpone the Charity Cup finals, citing the stadium's functioning drainage system.
• The PLE postponed the matches due to the poor condition of the pitch following heavy rainfall.
• The ministry has ruled out reducing the stadium booking fee or compensating the PLE for the disruption.