Africa-Press – Eswatini. Following Sunday’s ugly scenes, players Kwakhe Thwala and Meshack Lushaba have apologised for their inappropriate behaviour during an MTN Premier League match played at King Sobhuza II Stadium.
Chaos erupted minutes later in the match when Thwala (Mbabane Swallows) was brought down by Lushaba (Nsingizini Hotspurs), who then head-butted him after he retaliated.
Swallows and Hotspurs officials invaded the pitch, sparking a brawl that halted the game for over 10 minutes.
The pair refused to go into detail over the incident.
But regardless, Thwala said he was embarrassed by the situation.
“I would like to sincerely apologise for my actions that contributed to the unfortunate altercation between the teams’ officials during our game against Nsingizini Hotspurs at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium on Sunday. My behaviour was totally unacceptable and does not reflect the respect and sportsmanship that I strive to uphold as a player.”
The player also apologised to his teammates for letting them down and creating a distraction from their focus on the game.
“I understand that my actions have consequences for the entire team, and I take full responsibility for them. To Nsingizini Hotspurs and their player Meshack Lushaba, I apologise for any disrespect or harm that may have been caused by my behaviour. I recognise that this is not in the spirit of fair-play and sportsmanship that we all value.
“To the Mbabane Swallows supporters, I am deeply sorry for the negative impact my actions have had on your experience and enjoyment of the game. I understand that you look up to us as role models, and I regret that I have let you down,” he said.
He also forwarded his apology to stakeholders, league sponsors and the wider soccer fraternity.
“I apologise for the negative attention that this incident has brought to our team and the sport. I am committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future. I will strive to regain your trust and respect through my actions and performances on and off the field. Once again, I sincerely apologise for my behaviour and the consequences it has had on all those involved.”
Lushaba said what happened during the match was regrettable.
“I would like to apologise for what happened during our match against Mbabane Swallows. I have picked a lesson from this situation and I promise that it will never happen again.”
He said he did not take his quarrel with Thwala to heart and it was now water under the bridge.
“I am sorry to everyone for what happened. It is really embarrassing.”
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