By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) is now reaping the fruits of its investment as far as women football is concerned.
The Under-20 Girls Schools Football Development Programme has seen the recruitment of players to senior women’s national teams and also empowered coaches who are in charge of the girls’ schools teams.
Currently, Ngwane Park High School are top of the table in the 15 schools league with 25 points after 11 matches closely followed by St. Mary’s High School on 24 points, Elangeni High School third on 23 points and fourth is St Francis High School with 21 points.
EFA Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe said the competition was tough within the schools and most girls were showing interest in playing football.
“This football development programme is implemented on a yearly basis with matches played during the first and second terms of the academic year. Over the years, this football development programme has developed the girl child through football as it has produced players for the U20 National Team and some of these players have graduated to the Senior Women’s National team (Sitsebe SaMhlekazi),” he said.
Radebe said the teams that compete in the Women’s Football league have also benefited from this football development programme as it has also provided a platform for them to scout for players.
“As part of this football development programme, the EFA has also trained the teachers/ coaches of these schools as an effort of empowering them about coaching as they are the ones who train and coach the players of the various schools,” he said.
He concluded that EFA was grateful for the support from the relevant stakeholders who support the growth of this football development programme as it has a lot of potential in unearthing more talent that can be nurtured for the betterment of women’s football in the country.
