Big Blow for Royal Leopard as CAF Bans Mavuso Sports Centre

Eswatini Premier League giants Royal Leopard have been dealt a blow after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) banned the use of Mavuso Sports Centre.

The stadium has been a major venue for international engagements for the Leopard who might soon be forced to host their CAF Confederation Cup group matches outside the country.

In a letter seen by Ducor Sports, the continental football governing body said Eswatini had failed to give the facility the necessary facelift even after being prevailed upon to do so.

The Mavuso Sports Centre failed to meet at least seven of CAF’s requirements which according to the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) included substandard medical facilities, VIP, Media centers and also training facilities.

Until the implementation of all the requirements, the facility will be blocked from hosting other CAF’s interclub competitions.

“Based on the stadium ban decision, the stadium authorities should consider initiating a complete renovation and refurbishment work of the stadium, in order to ensure that the stadium is approved in the future for CAF competitions,” the letter reads in part.

“We recommend that the renovation plan is based on modern architecture, contemporary design, and quality materials with a clear project plan and specific timelines”

Royal Leopard will face Orlando Pirates in their CAF Confederation Cup group opener on the 27^th February 2022. The Eswatini national team is also affected as it is set to host Somalia in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round fixture next month.