‘Pupu’ makes surprise appearance for ‘Birds’

MBABANE – Gifted midfielder, Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze made a surprise appearance for Mbabane Swallows at the Mhlume Stadium on Saturday.

It was an emotional return for the player who made his name at the red and white ensemble about three seasons ago, before quitting to join rivals Manzini Wanderers in search for greener pastures.

Depending on the negotiations between the two teams, Wanderers and Swallows, he could feature for the glamour giants on Sunday during the Swazi Telecom Charity Cup Spectacular semi-final encounter against army side, Young Buffaloes at the Somhlolo National Stadium.
During the games on Saturday, even though it was evident the player was still struggling with fitness, Sikhondze was well received.

He was introduced as a second half substitute in Swallows’ first game of the day against Manzini Sundowns and did not disappoint showing off his silky skills to the delight of the Swallows fans. Sundowns had appeared to have held their own against the country’s finest only for Sikhondze to unlock the defence. Swallows won the game through a rare strike from overlapping left back Sanele Mkhweli.

In the second outing against the hosts RSS, Sikhondze played for the duration of the encounter having found himself in the starting line-up.
No immediate comment could be obtained from Swallows Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sibusiso Manana, as his mobile phone was switched off.

Wanderers, now under the guidance of South coach, Kenny Ndlazi put the player on transfer alongside his elder brother Xolani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze just over a week ago. Wanderers Management Committee (MC) chairman, Sydney Nxumalo expressed surprise that the player had appeared for Swallows.

“This is news to me. I would have expected the interested team to approach us as a club despite the fact that the player has been put on transfer. As far as we are concerned no team has shown interest in the player.
“This boy must also know that we have had better players than him in the past and he cannot hold us to ransom and use the team for him to achieve his motives. We cannot allow that,” he said.

We need to teach ‘Pupu’ a lesson – Wanderers

MBABANE – Manzini Wanderers have warned transfer-listed Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze’s suitors that the player will not come cheap.

A fuming Manzini Wanderers Management Committee (MC) chairman Sydney Nxumalo said the player needed to be taught a lesson he would never forget before getting his clearance to join a team of his choice. Sikhondze made a surprise appearance for red and white glamour giants on Saturday at the Mhlume Stadium during the preparatory matches that also featured Manzini Sundowns and RSSC United.

“We have seen better players at Wanderers in the past but they have never behaved in this manner. This boy cannot be a jukebox. He cannot only perform only when there is money and when there is none holding us to ransom.
“This team has had so many talented players like the Mdluli brothers for instead and we cannot therefore allow our family to be disturbed by him.

“What I know for certain is that the player will not go cheap to any team that could be interested in his services. We may have put him on transfer but as a team we still spent money on him and whosever wants him must be ready to pay,” he said.

 gifted

Nxumalo was reacting to reports that the gifted player appeared for Swallows over the past weekend. 
Swallows Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sibusiso Manana could not be reached for comment at the time of going to press yesterday, as his mobile phone was switched off for the better part of the day. Asked on why they would charge highly for the services of the player, yet he had been deemed surplus to requirements at the treasure-hunting side, Nxumalo insisted that he (Sikhondze) needed to be taught a lesson.

“He must learn to respect these teams. You cannot be allowed to do as you please. It will be very difficult for him if he would not be taught a lesson,” he said.
No immediate comment could be obtained from the player at the time of going to press yesterday.   

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