Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RES) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to youth and community empowerment through sport, investing a total of E400 000 to strengthen football development in the Lubombo region.
This year’s sponsorship, which supports both the Siyakha 1800 Youth Soccer Development Programme and the Sakhelene Community Soccer League, marks a significant increase from last year’s combined E330 000 contribution a clear demonstration of RES’s growing dedication to nurturing Eswatini’s future talent and promoting social cohesion through football.
Each of the two initiatives received E200 000, alongside training equipment such as soccer balls to enhance player development and team preparation.
Building the Future: Siyakha 1800 Programme
Launched in 2015, the Siyakha 1800 Youth Soccer Development Programme has grown into one of Eswatini’s most impactful grassroots sports initiatives. Its name derives from the original goal of reaching 1,800 youth participants, but the programme has since surpassed that number, engaging thousands of young boys and girls across RES-operated communities.
The project provides structured coaching, mentorship, and tournaments designed not only to sharpen football skills but also to teach discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Over the past decade, RES’s consistent support has helped transform Siyakha 1800 into a model of how sport can shape character and open opportunities for the country’s youth.
In the 2025 sponsorship cycle, the programme received an E20 000 increase from the previous year’s E180 000 allocation a boost that will help expand outreach and sustain quality training sessions.
“We aim not just to develop skilled players but also nurture confident and responsible young people who will make a positive impact in their communities.”
Empowering Communities: Sakhelene League
Established around 2018, the Sakhelene Community Soccer League is a dynamic platform uniting 10 communities across Lubombo through football. What began as a local competition has evolved into a vibrant league promoting inclusion, recreation, and mentorship.
Each participating community now benefits from both financial backing and equipment, helping teams train and compete effectively. For the 2025 edition, RES increased the Sakhelene League sponsorship from E150 000 to E200 000 which is a rise to support its rapid growth and ensure sustainability.
The league continues to make football accessible to rural players who might otherwise lack opportunities, while also using the sport to strengthen community ties and encourage healthy living.
With this E400 000 commitment, the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation not only fuels the dreams of young athletes but also reaffirms its role as a driving force in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for Eswatini football.
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