‘FRANK-LY ANTWI IS MY PLAYER’

MBABANE – The controversy surrounding Ghanaian striker Frank Antwi deepened yesterday when a locally based Ghanaian pastor claimed ownership of the player.

Antwi is currently in the books of TZD Sports Management, which is under the directorship of former Premier League of Swaziland (PLS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zakhele Dlamini.

The pastor, Emmanuel Dzeble, told this newspaper yesterday that he has been greatly disappointed at the latest with regards the player who has since been snatched by Mbabane Swallows. Swallows’ traditional rivals, Mbabane Highlanders, were also eager to secure the services of the 22-year-old player and even appeared in two of the team’s pre-season games. “I have the documents that prove I was the one who brought Frank into the country. I even met him at the airport with one Sabelo Shongwe and we drove him straight to Siteki.

“It was after his arrival that I met with Sikhalo Se Africa directors and we entered into an agreement, as the player signed his contract with them. I am supposed to know the player’s every move and I am overtly disappointed with Zakhele. I wonder who gave him the right to call the player his when I was the one who brought him to Swaziland,” Dzeble said.

He said when he brought the player to the country, his (pastor’s) aim was to find him a team, something he was successful in doing, as the player was registered with the National First Division League outfit. “The only time I have seen him with Zakhele was when he came to me in his presence to demand their clearance from Sikhalo. I was so frustrated and angry such that I walked away from their meeting. I have been left deeply surprised and disappointed with Zakhele’s action because I just do not understand where he gets the right to call players his own,” he said.

Reached for a comment on the issue, Dlamini said he was surprised by the pastor’s assertion and advised him to concentrate in God’s work.  “I think the pastor should pray to God to help him stand for the truth. I am really shocked because when I approached Sikhalo for the player’s clearance, the pastor was present.

As to what he is talking about now beats me. “In any case, I believe we should let this matter rest once and for all so that we allow the player to concentrate on playing football,” said Dlamini.

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