‘WESLIANS’ FINANCIAL WOES DEEPEN

BIG BEND – “Players will not perform unless the team addresses its financial challenges.” These were the comments of hub giants Manzini Wanderers’ head coach Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe on Saturday after they were stunned 0-2 by struggling Mhlume Peacemakers.

This was at Mayaluka Stadium in Big Bend, where the maroon and white outfit had visited the Lubombo-based outfit for their 2019/20 MTN Premier League first round match.

In a post-match interview, the coach said he appreciated the players’ effort, especially the fact that they even showed up to honour the fixture despite such challenges. “With the current financial situation, the players are not really motivated but I am happy that they are willing to play,” said the coach.
Hlophe said he commended the players’ fighting spirit despite the current situation. He disclosed that the players had not been paid their November salaries and last received half-pay for October and therefore this made it hard for them to deliver.

conducive

Hlophe said the players only played because of their loyalty and love for the Manzini Wanderers team otherwise the conditions were not conducive. Meanwhile, the Management Committee (MC) Chairman Bongani ‘Bhanyaza’ Mdluli acknowledged that the situation was not normal at the team and players were owed their salaries. However, he highlighted that they were trying everything possible to address the issue. 

“We had a meeting with the players yesterday (Saturday) shortly after the game with Mhlume Peacemakers and we discussed a number of issues and we are trying everything possible to normalise the situation,” said the chairman. He said they understood that the players must receive their salaries, just like any other working environment. Mdluli said the team would soon issue a statement regarding what had been done to put the situation back to normal. On another note, coach Hlophe said they could have won the game but the players could not convert from clear-cut chances.

despite

He said it was clear that it was not their day despite the fighting spirit as he pointed on Mike Dombo and Laurent Abah’s missed chances where he felt they should have scored. Wanderers received E100 000 as an advance from the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) after reports that they had not paid their players and technical staff their salaries for October.

The salaries were subsequently paid on the week of the advance but only in half. This is the last payment the players had received for their services, according to the coach. Worth noting is also the fact that the team launched a Mobile Money account with Eswatini MTN last month where supporters can deposit funds to help run the team.

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