By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The Hhohho Regional Football Association (HRFA) Cabana Under-13 Leagues enter its final stage as four finals will be played in the next four weeks in four zones.
The 2023 league was sponsored to the tune of E200 000 by Lactalis Eswatini (Formerly Parmalat) and it was played under Lobamba, Mbabane, Buhleni and Pigg’s Peak Zones where 124 teams took part.
The top four teams in each zone will play semi-finals and finals to earn the championships and the winners will take home E1 500, trophy and Cabana branded soccer kit each with the runner-up getting E1 000 each and E700 each for the semi-finalists. The rest of the teams will be given a participation fee of E350 each.
The tournament under the HRFA under the theme ‘Liyasikwa Liyamila Hhohho Youth Development’ was launched in 2014 to the tune of E10 000 and it was trading as Milky Max under Parmalat sponsorship.
Lactalis Eswatini Marketing Officer Lucky Phiri said they were happy with the growth of the initiative as it has benefited thousand of the youth with some even becoming elite league football players.
Phiri was accompanied by some Managers including Njabulo Lukhele, Sizwe Sigwane and Madwebela Dlamini during the press conference held at the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Offices, Sigwaca House.
“Development is key in the country if we are to groom tomorrow’s leaders. This initiative has given almost every boy a chance to play football in a more professional environment and it’s been growing since its launch in 2014.
These also help our products to reach every corner of the country. Thanks to the support we are getting and we urge the nation to experience our products that are of good value. We are a company based in Eswatini and we promote local products,” he said.
Each store stands to benefit as Lactalis Eswatini will paint it for free under the Cabana product in all the four Zones that the semi-finals and finals would be played.
HRFA Oscar Mlotshwa said the development leagues were now benefiting the whole Hhohho region with the future looking bright. He said the leagues give every under-13 child a chance to get the football basics under a professionalised environment. He said that will turn benefit elite clubs and the national team, Sihlangu.
