FANS CALL FOR LIMITED NUMBERS AT STADIUMS

MBABANE – Super fans are calling on government to consider at least a limited number of fans to watch football matches.

Football fans in the country last watched games last year on March 8, 2020, during the Ingwenyama Cup final between Green Mamba and Mbabane Highlanders, which the latter lost 0-2. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fans have been banned from stadiums and games are played behind closed doors. Some fans have gone to an extent of climbing trees and watching from rooftops just to get a glimpse of the action. Manzini Wanderers supporter Sidumo Ngwenya pleaded with the government, through the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga and the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), to consider allowing certain numbers during the games.

“The MTN Premier League is now at a crucial stage and we are much aware that the players are missing us. We also miss cheering on our teams. As fans, we feel like we have neglected our teams and our presence can make a huge difference,” he said. Ngwenya said even if only 500 people could be allowed, that would be enough. He said they were still facing a challenge by watching the games on the MTN Y’ello Hub live-streaming platform. He said they were ready to follow all the COVID-19 regulations that could be put in place for safety. “I just hope that Wanderers win against Highlanders as our chances of finishing in the top four are high. We are happy with the team’s performance and are aware that they miss our cheers during games,” he said.

Wanderers play Highlanders tomorrow at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium as the two sides battle for the top four spot. Mbabane Highlanders fan Banele Kunene said his team was losing revenue while they had the money to spend to watch the games. He said they were now always bored yet if they were to be allowed to go to the stadium, they would follow all the COVID-19 regulations. “It is unbelievable that I will be missing my team’s two big matches. It is something we are not used to and we plead with whosever can make the call to allow a certain number of supporters, depending on the venues. The teams can’t perform to their level best because they lack the support from us,” he said. Kunene said a win against Wanderers tomorrow would motivate them ahead of the derby on Saturday.

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