English Women football legend for Eswatini
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Eniola Aluko of England poses for a portrait at St Georges Park on July 31, 2014 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (THe FA via Getty Images)
By Sibusiso Masilela
Contributing towards a healthy life for future citizens.
English woman football legend Eniola Aluko will be in the country to attend the Gavi foundation national vaccination campaign to be held in the country on Thursday at Somhlolo National Stadium.
She is expected to jet in the country on Wednesday (October 1, 2025) through the King Mswati III international airport. Contributing towards a healthy life for future citizens.
She is expected to jet in the country on Wednesday (October 1, 2025) through the King Mswati III international airport.
The campaign will see about 400 local children being vaccinated during a national rollout program facilitated by the Gavi Foundation, UEFA, and the Eswatini Football Association.
This was revealed by the Gavi Foundation Communications Officer, Annete Wangongu, during the launch of the initiative held on Tuesday at Sigwaca House.
“We are pleased to be part of this initiative, which aims to use football as a vehicle to promote vaccination in ESwatini. We will be having English football women’s legend Eniola Aluko as the main guest. We would like to thank the various stakeholders for being part of this great initiative,” she said.
Eswatni Football Association vice president Steve Horton welcomed the initiative.
“We are excited to be part of the exciting international event which uses football as a vehicle to spread vaccination gospel in the four corners of the country. We would like to thank the Gavi Foundation and UEFA for their contribution towards the event,” he said.
UEFA representative Chris Endean also applauded the various stakeholders contribution towards the event.
The event was also attended by COSAFA officials, Technical Development committee member Nhlanhla ‘Madida’ Mabuza Sihlangu star Philani Mkhonto, and Technical Director Bhekisisa Mkhonta, among others.
The main guest is a Nigerian descent who was born in Lagos, and she moved to Birmingham with her parents when she was six months old.
She made 102 appearances for the England national team from 2004 to 2016 and competed at the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup in China, 2009 UEFA Women’s Euro, 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany, 2013 UEFA Women’s Euro, and 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.
She previously played for Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic, and Chelsea in England’s FA Women’s Premier League.
