His Majesty King Mswati III has revealed that the government of Eswatini will construct a world-class 50,000-seater stadium, exceeding the initial plans for a 40,000-seater facility announced during the 2025/26 Ingwenyama Cup final at Somhlolo National Stadium. The King made the announcement at the Ezulwini Palazzo ICC, where he also presented Nsingizini Hotspurs with the 2026 Ingwenyama Cup trophy.
The King stated that Minister for Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, will include a funding provision in the upcoming national budget allocation for the construction of the new stadium. The project aims to provide a facility that meets international standards, allowing the national team to prepare adequately for competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup.
The proposed stadium is expected to match the aesthetic and structural excellence of the Ezulwini Palazzo ICC, serving as a source of inspiration and motivation for players. The King expressed optimism that the project will be factored into upcoming national budgets, with contributions from development partners and private investors partnering with the government.
During the 2025/26 Ingwenyama Cup final, the King issued a Royal Command for the government to construct a 40,000-seater stadium, citing that Somhlolo National Stadium could no longer accommodate the growing numbers of supporters attending high-profile fixtures. The new stadium is expected to boost the courage and confidence of national teams.
The King has already engaged designers for the project, with the goal of constructing a facility that can accommodate 50,000 people, half the capacity of the stadiums used in the AFCON and World Cup. The King noted that he has attended these international competitions and believes that a larger stadium will inspire the national team to achieve greater success.
The Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) sponsored the Ingwenyama Cup, which saw Nsingizini Hotspurs crowned champions after defeating Green Mamba 1-0. The King's announcement has generated excitement and optimism among football fans in Eswatini, who hope that the new stadium will help the national team achieve success in international competitions.
The King also expressed his wish for Sihlangu to win the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and eventually conquer the FIFA World Cup. He envisioned a triumphant scenario where the country claims one of these prestigious trophies, culminating in a momentous gathering at the Palazzo ICC to present and celebrate such a historic achievement.
Key points
- The new 50,000-seater stadium will be designed to match international standards and provide a source of inspiration for players.
- The project is expected to be funded through a combination of national budget allocations, development partners, and private investors.
- The King has engaged designers for the project, with construction expected to begin soon.
