It’s Samora again
By Sibusiso Masilela
The people have spoken.
Eswatini Football Association (EFA) president Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane has retained the hot seat.
Simelane outfoxed his competitor and outgoing vice President, Mashumi Shongwe.
Simelane amassed 27 votes ahead of Shongwe’s 21 during the fierce elections held at the Hilton Garden Inn on Sunday to continue leading the mother body for the next four years.
The elections further saw Steve Horton retain the vice presidency, and he was joined by Hhohho Regional Football Association Secretary Nkhosingiphile Shongwe.
Horton and Shongwe will be joined by Premier League of Eswatini Chairman Polycarp Dlamini, who serves as the vice president by virtue of being the leader of the top-flight football entity.
Other candidates for the Vice president position included Simanga Nhleko, Nichodemus ‘Ace’ Mashwama, and Sonnyboy Mabuza.
The executive member position saw former Lubombo Regional Football Association Secretary Sicelo Nene retain his seat and he was joined by the Eswatini Women’s Football Association executive member Aaron ‘Katalala’ Mavimbela.
Two candidates were unsuccessful in the executive member position in the Eswatini Football Coaches Association: Secretary Musa Mamba and Premier League of Eswatini executive member Sibusiso ‘Scorpion’ Nxumalo.
Simelane thanked delegates for trusting him with the responsibility of leading the position for another term.
“I am honoured by the trust which the delegates have shown to me and the executive committee. We will continue serving the sport diligently by delivering super results in the next four years, such as qualifying for major competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations,”among others
Simelane also thanked the Government, FIFA, and CAF officials for gracing the event.
“We are humbled by the presence of FIFA and CAF officials, which will contribute to the development of the sport in the country,” he said.
Some of the guests included Mbabane West Member of Parliament and Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta.
FIFA officials such as Solomon Mudege, Sarah Mukuna, and David Fani,among others, graced the event.
The full results
Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane 27 votes
Mashumi Shongwe 21 votes
Vice presidents
Nkosingiphile Shongwe 31 votes
Steve Horton 26 votes.
Sonnyboy Mabuza 12 votes.
Simanga Nhleko 17 votes
Nichodemus ‘ Ace’ Mashwama 9 votes.
Executive members
Aaron Mavimbela 36 votes
Sicelo Nene 29 votes.
Musa Mamba 22 votes.
Sibusiso Nxumalo 7 votes.
Women position
Phumzile Dlamini 29 votes
Sindi Dlamini 17 votes.
The full executive committee
President- Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane
Vice presidents – Steve Horton, Polycarp Dlamini, Nkhosingiphile Shongwe
Executive members
Aaron ‘Katalala’ Mavimbela
Sicelo Nene.
Standing members
Comfort Shongwe (Hhohho).
Vusi Hall (Manzini).
Nichodemus ‘Ace’ Mashwama (Lubombo).
Nkosinathi Kunene (Shiselweni)
