Africa-Press – Eswatini. Dilemma! As the 2023/24 season curtain is about to fall , there is uncertainty over relegation as there are growing calls to increase teams to 16 next season.
The 2023/24 MTN Premier and National First Division Rules and Regulations state that two teams should be relegated from elite league and four from NFD at the end of the current campaign.
Latest reports indicate that some clubs made their feelings known yesterday during the caucus meeting held at Sigwaca House.
This, therefore, means there should be no relegation at the end of the season should the proposal come into effect.
It must be noted that teams were cut from 16 to 14 in the 2021/22 season following an approval from the Eswatini Football Association (EFA).
PLE Chairman Mark Carmichael confirmed the developments and said they would take it into consideration should it be raised during their next meeting.
“Actually, there is a glaring thorn when your national team is not doing well. A player must play 40 competitive matches if we want them to do well internationally.
This is a fact if we want to see Sihlangu improving.”
“We will see in the rescheduled special meeting. If the proposal or request comes up, it will be taken to the AGM in August,” he said.
Professionalize
The PLE boss further highlighted that they would continue to professionalise the sport so that they could be a football powerhouse.
Meanwhile, it has been suggested that the National First Division should be changed into a development league.
Reports suggest that a majority of players in the NFD should be limited to a certain age.
“We are trying to cut the age limit in the NFD to 21 years just like in South Africa. The foreign quota should also be reduced from five to three. This will help to improve our football,” said one of the officials.
It was revealed during the meeting that soccer lovers will be happy to learn that the MTN Premier League matches are returning this coming weekend.
This comes after the two weeks FIFA Weeks break and was also confirmed by the PLE Chairman Carmichael.
“Yes I can confirm that matches will continue next week. We will select the dates. We will see whether we play midweek since some want to go to Easters,” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
