SIPHO IN, BHEKISIZWE OUT!

MANZINI – Sipho Kunene has tightened his grip on the National Referees Association of Swaziland (NRAS) hot seat.

The well known administrator was re-elected chairman yesterday. He won a tightly-contested race ahead of retired FIFA-accredited assistant referee, Bhekisizwe Mkhabela, during an elective general assembly at Caritas in Manzini.  The pair got 37 and 28 votes, respectively.
A major shake-up during the elections manned by Premier League of Swaziland COO, Pat Vilakati, also saw Sabelo Kunene losing the chairmanship post to then Secretary, Jabulani Motsa, who needed a second round of voting to shake off his competitors. Also in contention was the seasoned duo of Libnar Sibiya and Phinda Ndzimandze.

  The 65 affiliates had to vote twice for the same post as no candidate had achieved at least the 50 per cent plus one vote in the first attempt.
Meanwhile, Simanga Nhleko beat Kuhle Mkhatshwa with 42 to 23 votes to become the new secretary. He will be assisted by former Premier League of Swaziland (PLS) employee Banele Nhlengetfwa who made light work of Phinda Dlamini and Donald Dlamini. Initially, seven people were nominated for the vice secretary post, but some changed their minds before the elections. Absent Mandla Gama was disqualified.
Treasurer Enock Silenge, who outclassed his opponent, Sifiso Zondo, with 59 to six votes, completes the list of the five-member committee.

Interviewed afterwards, Kunene said he was not shaken despite the disturbing reports that his executive was unjustly accused of fighting the National Football Association of Swaziland before yesterday’s meeting.
“On top of our priority list is pushing for the review of the referees’ match allowances, which currently stand at E240. We want them to be increased to E700.
“The tripartite in Referees Association, Premier League and Football Association will meet to discuss the issue,” said Kunene.
The chairman also stressed on the need to finalise the Referees Policy, which is currently in draft form.
The executive will be in office for the next four years.

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