BY FIONA MOTSA
MBABANE– Sunday was packed with loads of fun and educational activities for everyone who attended the free world cup viewing launch at the Prince of Wales in Mbabane.
The event was hosted yesterday by the Municipal Council of Mbabane in collaboration with Eswatini TV to play the opening match of the World Cup in Qatar.
The day’s proceedings were with the Mbabane Half Day Marathon which started as early as 5am. At around 10 am the venues was swamped with happy and excited children who had their own play area set up for them.
People with stalls flocked into the venue quite early and a variety of arts, food, craft and educational stalls were seen.
At 5pm, the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Bayt Stadium, Qatar kicked off on the big screen at the Prince of Wales. Qatar lost the opening match to Ecuador 2-0 in Group A.
This reporter interviewed Kwakha Indvodza, World Vision, Eswatini Football Association as well as the Municipal council of Mbabane who were present for the proceedings.
Sakhile Maziya, Human Resources Manager at Kwakha Indvodza, said the November 20, 2022 marked World Children’s Day and that they were honoured to be there on a day when a lot of children were present.
“We were advocating for the protection of children from violence as well as social inclusion for every child,” said Maziya.
Pamela Zwane from World Vision brought games and dance to keep the young ones entertained on the day.
“As World Vision, we were there to teach children to be able to speak up and report any form of sexual violence the children face. It is a blessing to teach them today because it is their day today,” said Zwane.
Muzi Radebe, Marketing and Communications Officer from Eswatini Football Association, said that it was a great launch and more fan parks would be created for emaSwati.
“This is a great opportunity for emaSwati to come together and enjoy the action together. With that being said, EFA, Municipality of Mbabane and UNICEF will be implementing more fan parks around the country for public viewing of the games,” said Radebe.
To catch up on the FIFA World Cup matches, tune into DStv channel 202 and GOtv channel 31.
Courtesy Pics of World Vision Eswatini.
