The Hon. Prime Minister Dr Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini says the country needs a bigger sports arena to embrace all sports. He noted that the Somhlolo National Stadium has become small as witnessed during the finals of the Swazi Bank Cup in early April.
The Prime Minister was speaking when meeting members of the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) led by its president Adam Mthethwa at the Cabinet offices.
He said consultations have to be made to determine whether the next move should be to expand the Somhlolo National Stadium or build a new facility that will meet international standards.
“We appreciate the sponsorship that football and other sports receive from the private sector and we need their cooperation in building a new structure.”
The Prime Minister assured members of the NFAS that Government will continue supporting sports as a whole, saying the intention is to develop the sports industry to ensure Swazis make a living out of it.
He congratulated all the sports personalities that have been honoured with an award by His Majesty King Mswati 111 on his 45th birthday.
“Our King is fully behind sports as he understands the important role sports plays in national development.”
The President of the NFAS Adam Mthethwa thanked Government for supporting football. He stressed that the exposure the national team gets by playing against tough and renowned football countries is beneficial in exposing and correcting weaknesses.