MATSAPHA UTD TODAY, PEACEMAKERS TOMORROW

MBABANE - In a first of its kind, one team uses kits inscribed with two different names.
That is Peacemakers, who are trading as Matsapha United.

In one week, they were clad in Matsapha United kit and in another week, they were using a gold and black kit that belongs to the Mhlume Peacemakers brand.
In the game against Mbabane Highlanders, two weeks ago, Matsapha United used the gold and black kit which belonged to Peacemakers. They lost 1-0 in an alleged muti-fuelled clash.

Fast forward to this past Sunday, they were clad in the Matsapha United kit when they lost to Mbabane Swallows 3-0.
Interesting is that the fans of the club have also been seen wearing both the Peacemakers and Matsapha United replicas during some of the league games.
Before the start of the season, the Premier League of Eswatini had made it succinctly clear that Matsapha United was the rightfully registered name.

The name-change can only be endorsed in the next annual general meeting which is next year August.
This then compels Peacemakers to use Matsapha United brand until the official name change. Matsapha United PRO Bheka Magagula confirmed that it was confusing to the football fraternity.

“The confusion somehow is brought about because the two parties between Matsapha United and Mhlume Peacemakers are still engaged in talks. Well, to set the record straight, Matsapha United only gave us one kit and we understand that it was due to the ongoing talks between the two parties. We are in talks with Matsapha United and hopefully before the end of the season, we will finally assume 100 per cent shares of team,” Magagula said.

Merchandise

He further said if things were permitting, they would completely use Peacemakers merchandise altogether.
“We are still registered as Matsapha United so that is why we still use Matsapha United merchandise. Once we are done with the name change and everything, we will use Peacemakers merchandise and kits. Supporters and the football community should please bear with us while we fix this issue. Truth is, it is confusing,” he added
He also made interesting revelations that this past Sunday when they played Mbabane Swallows, they wanted to use the gold and black Peacemakers kit but were barred from using it by referees.
“The referees complained that the kit had unclear numbers so it was hard to read out the numbers when cautioning players during match play. We were then forced to use the Matsapha United kit,” he said.
He also revealed that the PLE had never questioned them on using three kits in one season.
“We have three kits, the gold and black, which is meant for away games, and the yellow kit which is for home fixtures. Both these kits were used in the Super League last season. The Matsapha United kit is used as an alternative kit,” he said.
When reached for comment, PLE CEO Simanga Nhleko said it was upon Matsapha United to choose their ideal kit as long as it did not conflict with the sponsors’ rules.
“We do not have any problems with them changing kits but what we are particular about is the registered name. We only recognise Matsapha United not Peacemakers, whatever they do, as long as they do it as the Matsapha brand. They are entitled to use any kit they want as long as it does not clash with the rules and regulations of the league,” Nhleko said.

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