FANS CRITICISE PLE’S SWIFT ACTION ON ‘BIRDS’

MBABANE – Supporters are unhappy with the Premier League of Eswatini’s (PLE) rapid intervention in the Mbabane Swallows dispute.

A report in the Times of Eswatini revealed that the match between Mbabane Swallows FC and Royal Leopard was postponed due to an ongoing dispute between two factions of the club.
The PLE called an emergency meeting between the groups, but no agreement was reached. After a four-hour meeting, PLE Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat ‘Kungumusa’ Vilakati announced the postponement. Supporters took to social media to voice their frustration at the PLE’s swift response, contrasting it with the earlier decision to compel Mbabane Highlanders to play despite their request for postponement due to internal issues.

Mbabane Swallows (Pty) Ltd, led by Princess Lungile was represented by Mduduzi Hlophe and the newly-appointed Chairperson, Bongani Dlamini, while Mbabane Swallows FC was represented by the resigned management committee consisting of Acting President Absalom Ngwenya and Chairman Welile Mabuza.

Notice

Banele Masondo, PLE Acting Football Manager, explained that Highlanders’ request was denied because it was not submitted within the required seven-day notice period. According to the 2024/25 MTN Premier League Rules, fixture changes must be requested at least seven days in advance. Meanwhile, Wanderers supporters voiced their dissatisfaction over the PLE’s handling of their relegation dispute with Denver Sundowns, feeling their concerns were overlooked.

Vilakati defended the PLE’s decision, stating it was made to protect the organisation’s reputation and the interests of all stakeholders. He noted that while Highlanders had individuals willing to step in and ensure continuity, Swallows lacked such leadership, complicating the situation. “While the circumstances surrounding the Swallows situation may appear similar to Highlanders’, there is a crucial difference: currently, there is no leadership within Swallows FC that we can engage with to guarantee that they will honour their fixture against Royal Leopard,” Vilakati explained.

He said this lack of leadership presents a unique challenge in trying to resolve the issue and ensures that the match can proceed as planned. Wanderers Chairman Jabulani Dlamini could not be drawn for a comment at the time of compiling this report. Supporters expressed their views, with one stating, some issues are taken with utmost urgency and treated with golden gloves.

What some of the supporters said:
 User 1
‘Some issues are taken with utmost urgency and treated with golden gloves.”
User 2
“Mxm  ngani bala kulabe Highlanders.”
User 3
The PLE should have continued with this game.|
User 4
“The league organisation is not fair at all.”
User 5
“Why ignore the Manzini Wanderers matter.”

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