‘BULL’, ‘TSETLA’ FINED E65 000

MBABANE – The fracas that ensued at Mhlume’s Nsukuwansuku Stadium in the Ingwenyama Cup Last 16 has had dire consequences for Mbabane Highlanders and Vovovo FC owner, Sipho ‘Tsetla’ Bhembe.

Capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders were up against Vovovo FC early this month but before their clash started, supporters of both teams had a confrontation which included, among others, former and current officials of both sides.

This forced the hordes of supporters to abandon the grandstand and seek safety inside the field of play, bringing to an abrupt halt the preceding match between Matsapha United and Moneni Pirates. However, the match continued after marshals and police officers intervened to calm the situation.
The eventual clash between these two sides was cut short due to power failure which consequently rendered floodlights malfunction, and was replayed two days later, Highlanders winning it by 2-1 at Somhlolo National Stadium. That is why the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee found Highlanders guilty and fined them E55 000.

For Vovovo boss,  Bhembe, the E10 000 is a summary fine for his national radio comments in the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) Sport Show after the scuffle. Bhembe pointed fingers and accused a certain former Highlanders official for being the ones to have incited fans to the violence among other things, accusations which cannot be repeated in this newspaper. The Ingwenyama Cup Management Committee (MC) viewed his conduct as one that had brought football into disrepute.

“They were found guilty and fined E55 000 out of a possible E110 000. Vovovo’s Tsetla also got a summary fine of E10 000 for his comments on radio on the incident with Highlanders,” an impeccable source confirmed on condition of anonymity as the PLE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Simanga Nhleko was considered the rightful person to release the information.

Verdict

Nhleko, when called, said they were still waiting for the written verdict but confirmed Bhembe’s summary fine of E10 000.
“I’m also waiting for the official verdict on the matter. Yes, the matter was before the DC yesterday, till then, I can’t deny nor confirm the said fine,” he said diplomatically.

Nhleko had hinted in a recent press conference that the MC was livid over the unruly behaviour of fans and officials and would be taking necessary disciplinary action through the DC. Pressed to be more clear on Highlanders’ fine, Nhleko said procedure required that Highlanders have the verdict first, guilty or not; or rather theyshould be the the ones confirming the matter. The club’s PRO, Paul ‘Magidz’eludzakeni’ Masilela, could not be reached when sought.

The team’s Chairman of the Board of Directors Zweli Jele was then reached and said he was currently away in South Africa and not aware of the verdict.
“But if that’s the case, we will appeal,” he said.

WhatsApp

Vovovo’s Bhembe did not answer his cellphone and had not responded to a WhatsApp text sent to him. Meanwhile, Highlanders had been charged based on Article 10.3 (d) and (f) of the Ingwenyama Cup Rules and Regulations which provide as follows;
Article 10.3 (d) – ‘Assaulting a referee(s) or match official(s) or club official(s) or player(s) or fan(s) or supporter(s) or spectator(s) – a minimum fine of E10 000 and a maximum fine of not less than E100 000. In addition, the offending club shall be ordered to compensate the victim for any financial loss incurred due to the assault’.
Article 10.3 (f) reads; “Failure to control their officials or players or supporters or fans – a minimum fine of E3000 and a maximum fine of E10 000 by the DC.”

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