MALAMBE CHALLENGES PLE OVER MATSAPHA UTD STATUS

MBABANE – In an unexpected move, football administrator and newly-elected MP Victor Malambe has approached the Premier League of Eswatini over Matsapha United status.

Matsapha United’s status was officially handed to returnees Mhlume Peacemakers during a press briefing at The George Hotel in Manzini on August 27 this year. Malambe, who has been vocal on the issue, has come to out to challenge the move, which he felt was done behind his back. He made a bold statement about challenging the issue by meeting the PLE Chairman Peter ‘Touch’ Magagula and CEO Simanga Nhleko yesterday.

Confirming the meeting, Malambe said he wanted to clear the air following reports that Matsapha status have been given away. He paraded his unnamed legal representative during the meeting with the PLE, saying the purpose of the gathering was to clear the air on the issue.

“I was there to clarity on my Matsapha United status following reports that it has been given away without my consent. I was initially made aware of efforts to engage me on the issue, but I was shocked to hear that a decision was taken to conclude the issue without my permission.

“I’m in consultation with my legal team on the way forward after the meeting,” he said.
Asked on the decision to belatedly challenge the decision to lose the status, he said it was no secret that he was focusing on the recently-concluded national elections, where he was elected Mhlume Member of Parliament. He said he remained calm in respect of the national elections.
An impeccable source also confirmed the meeting.

Despite learning about the meeting, Nhleko politely asked not be dragged for comment. Magagula’s phone reportedly rang unanswered when sought for comment on the issue. The last attempt was made at 8:05pm.
Malambe used to be the director of the defunct Mhlume United before partnering with businessman Sipho Shongwe to form Matsapha United in 2016.  Despite reports and court documents in incarcerated Shongwe’s bail application excluding   Malambe in the Matsapha setup, he repeatedly stated he had a stake at the team.

Matsapha lawyer Zakhele Dlamini said they were not part of the meeting and were not interested in it.
“We don’t care what was discussed,” said Dlamini.
The well known lawyer during the handover of Matsapha status had highlighted that someone who claimed ownership of something should provide proof.

Meanwhile, Peacemakers have completed their transition from the Super League to top flight football and are due to play their league match against Young Buffaloes tomorrow. They have played two games on the big stage so far, beating Tambuti and losing to Manzini Wanderers. They are playing under the Matsapha United banner pending a scheduled name change in the next PLE General Assembly in July next year.

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