‘CANCELLING GAMES BAD TIMING’

MBABANE – The decision by the country’s football authorities to cancel all football related events has drawn mixed-reactions in the football fraternity.
It is very interesting to note that one of those who has openly challenged the timing of the decision is Eswatini Football Association (EFA) executive member Sonnyboy ‘Jazz’ Mabuza. Mabuza is also Chairman of the Women Football Association (WFA).

This follows an announcement made last Friday by EFA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Mngometulu that all football games countrywide are put on hold in light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus).  However, Mabuza shared the view that the cancellation of the games was bad timing.
specific reference

He made specific reference to the EswatiniBank Cup quarter-finals matches, which were also affected by the EFA decision. These matches were scheduled for Somhlolo National Stadium and King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, respectively.
Mabuza minced no words in pointing out that the quarter-finalists were hard done by the decision after investing a lot preparing for the games, only to be informed last minute that there are no games.

He stated that had the decision been made early in the week, the teams would not have wasted their resources on games that were cancelled. Mabuza was quick, however, to acknowledge the efforts by the Government of Eswatini in preventing the spread of the virus.
decision to cancel

 “I think the timing of the decision to cancel sports activities was not right. When it comes to knockout tournaments, clubs invest so much in terms of training and preparations, which involves lot of money. I wish this announcement was made at the beginning of the week, not in the last minute. I feel sad for those that are already affected by the virus and hope the world can find a cure immediately because the situation is worsening with each passing day,” Mabuza said.
Meanwhile, another EFA board member, Johannes ‘Ace’ Siboza, who is also Chairman of the EswatiniBank Cup Management Committee (MC), shared the view that the decision to cancel the games came from the rightful body and was in the best interests of the nation.

“The order to stop all sporting activities, including football games, came from the rightful person, the Prime Minister, Ambrose Dlamini, who is the head of our government. I believe it is meant to protect the nation against this deadly virus and we have to respect that. Life is far more important than games because matches can continue once the situation has stabilised but life lost is never regained,” Siboza said.

Also affected by the stoppage of all games were regional leagues from promotion, women and development.
Mbabane Highlanders’ CEO Melusi Dlamini said the cancellation of the games had cost them handsomely as they had already paid camping fees and other necessities to prepare for their quarter-final clash against Malanti Chiefs.

done preparations

“We had already done preparations for the games, including paying camping fees and other necessities only to learn that the matches have been cancelled in the last minute. It was really disturbing news but we also have to be careful not to put too much blame on those who took the decision because this is a situation beyond their control,” Dlamini said.

Meanwhile, Young Buffaloes’ CEO Sandile Gwebu said there was nothing they could do but respect the EFA decision under the circumstances.
“If EFA felt it was the right thing to cancel the games, so be it, we have to abide by what they say. We are fully aware of the coronavirus effects, especially if there are affected people. We urge the football fraternity to take the necessary precautions to lessen the spread of the virus,” Gwebu appealed.
Mbabane Swallows Marketing and Communications Manager Mancoba Mabuza said they welcomed the decision without any reservations.
safety reasons
“As Mbabane Swallows FC, we welcome the decision to cancel the games because it is for health and safety reasons. We await advice from authorities regarding way forward. We had already prepared our team for the Green Mamba game and the spirit was too high. However, we will still beat Green Mamba on a later date and our goals and objectives have not changed,” Mabuza said.
He said at this point in time, it was important for their fans to stay safe as government had already given direction on the matter.

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