Times Of Swaziland: ALLY FORGIVES ‘RIO’, MIDFIELDER RETURNS

ALLY FORGIVES ‘RIO’, MIDFIELDER RETURNS
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BY CHRIS DLAMINI on 20/10/2021 08:19:00


MBABANE – Former Young Buffaloes development and senior team youngster Lindani
‘Rio’ Matsenjwa’s apology has been accepted by his team Mbabane
Highlanders.
A fortnight ago, the midfielder who had been missing without official leave from
the club, even missed pre-season training, texted Highlanders’ South African
Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe to sincerely apologise for his behaviour as he had
not finished last season with the club. He was released alongside some of the
South African stars including Siphamandla Mlilo and went for trials in South
Africa. However, nothing worked out for the former senior national team star.
He was signed for a reported E100 000 transfer fee from his parent club
Buffaloes had played his elite football mostly with Moneni Pirates. “The
technical bench and top management were busy with that matter last week when we
temporarily suspended training to consider means to keep our players safe.
We’re back at training and almost everyone is expected to return this week.
‘Rio’ is also back with us since yesterday (Monday),” Inkunz’emnyama PRO
Mandla Madonsela confirmed the matter yesterday.
He said the player’s late return was also addressed at the training ground
with the rest of the players so they welcomed him back into the team. “The
director consulted with management and the technical bench which is led by
Mavuso and he has confirmed it too that they agreed to allow the player back
after discussing the matter at length with him as well,” he explained.
Commitment
Kgomongwe also affirmed the latest news. “He’s at training already and the
coach confirmed he returned yesterday (Monday). He’s got to show commitment as
he is still a young player with a lot to lose if he doesn’t focus yet he has
talent,” Kgomongwe said. The director emphasised that he allowed him back
because he was a young and talented player who needed guidance and as a parent,
he (Kgomongwe) felt pity for the player he paid E100 000 for and gave a
five-year contract.
‘Rio’ has three more seasons to go with the black and white side. Efforts to
get comment from the player proved futile at the time and he had not responded
to a text sent to him.