TEAMS NET E142 IN FORCES DOUBLE-HEADER

 MBABANE – Last Saturday’s EswatiniBank Cup Last eight double-header attracted only 248 supporters.

Security forces sides Green Mamba and Young Buffaloes beat Vovovo and Matsapha United by 2-0 and 2-1, respectively, to advance to the semi-finals of the ‘Solo Inje’ edition at Somhlolo National Stadium.  The teams proved unpopular with spectators, as figures showed that E9 920 was collected from the gates. Entry fee was E40.

After deductions, each team took home only E142.50. The money is a share after the net was divided equally among the four teams.  Deductions for the day included the stadium levy. The tournament’s Management Committee further collects 20 per cent from gross gate collections as per the dictates of Article 16 of the EswatiniBank Cup Rules and Regulations. Other deductions are match officials fees and commission charges for the ticket-selling company.

The gross collections are a drop in the ocean when compared to figures for the following day. In action at the same venue a day later was the quartet of Mbabane Swallows, Royal Leopard, Malanti Chiefs and Manzini Sundowns. At least 2 130 supporters paid to watch the ‘Super Sunday’ matches. In essence, E85 200 was collected from the gates. Each team took home E11 546.88 after deductions.

Premier League of Eswatini CEO Simanga Nhleko confirmed the figures for both matches.
Buffaloes acting CEO Thando ‘Va’ Nxumalo sounded confident that the spectators would cram King Sobhuza Stadium in Nhlangano for this Sunday’s semi-finals. Buffaloes face Manzini Sundowns while Royal Leopard have a date with Green Mamba.

“There is a lot of hype in this tournament and it is now reaching boiling point.

invite

“We further invite the spectators to come in numbers,” he said.
Green Mamba CEO Thami Phakathi said his office was yet to be furnished with the figures, politely asking not be dragged on the debate on attendance numbers in their games unless furnished with the report from the matches.

“Ours is only to invite the supporters to the semi-finals at King Sobhuza II Stadium this weekend,” he said.
Vovovo Director Sipho ‘Tsetla’ Bhembe conceded the attendance was not impressive on the day, but felt it would be unfair to start pointing fingers at someone.
“As Vovovo, we also take the blame. We should have done our homework to ensure the games attract more spectators,” he said.
Matsapha United PRO Bheka Magagula said he was in a meeting when sought for comment last night.
The figures are likely to be tabled and discussed in the PLE’s two-day retreat set for Lugogo Sun in Ezulwini from this evening. Ahead of the retreat, teams are reportedly also unhappy that players on loan from the security forces sides cannot face their parent clubs. Vovovo coach Gcina ‘Magiyane’ Dlamini, who is an employee at His Majesty’s Correctional Services, watched Vovovo being defeated 2-0 by Green Mamba from the stands.

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