Africa-Press – Eswatini. They have brought the game into disrepute.
This is the story of Eswatini football giants Mbabane Highlanders and Manzini Wanderers, who might attract the wrath of the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC) for exhibiting unsporting behaviour in their game. The team crossed swords in an MTN Premier League match, which was played at the Mavuso Sports Centre, this past Saturday. The game ended 1-all after a first half goal by Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto and a second half strike by Sandile Maseko.
Draw
The draw meant no changes for either side as the single point saw Dumisani ‘DU’ Makhanya charges maintaining fifth spot. Meanwhile, the Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe-led side remained deep in the relegation zone (13th) with seven points. Tension between the teams started when a Manzini Wanderers Team Medic, Gcina Hlophe, passed by the Highlanders technical area. He was stopped by Inkunzi Emnyama technical team members and instructed to walk around the back of their technical area, which he refused to do. This led to a skirmish escalating when Highlanders Assistant Coach Siyabonga ‘Siya’ Bhembe pushed Wanderers’ Hlophe.
The incident was quickly diffused by Inkunzi Emnyama Head Coach Dumsani ‘DU’ Makhanya and fourth official Thembi ‘Ponono’ Matfonsi, who intervened to separate the two individuals. The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) immediately entered the pitch to shield the match officials and prevent any further escalation, as tensions had risen to boiling point. Some players also helped in separating the two individuals. As a result of the altercation, the Mbabane giants assistant coach was given a straight red card by FIFA-accredited Referee Thulani ‘Goje’ Sibandze. The game was briefly stopped to allow the situation to be resolved.
Such unsporting behaviour is frowned upon by the EFA DC and should this incident be captured in the referee and match commissioner’s reports, the two teams might be hauled before the DC. The Eswatini giants could be charged using the 2023/24 MTN Premier League Rules and Regulations. These articles in total could attract fines of less than E80 000 for each team. Despite being a regular visitor to the DC last season, where they were fined E175 000, Highlanders have already incurred a E15 000 fine. This was on August 5 during the Bible Society Mayoral Charity Cup, where their fans invaded the pitch in wild celebrations for a successful bid to defend the title. Notably, the PLE received E470 374 from protests and fines last season.
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