‘BIRDS’ TYSON SPEAKS ON ASSAULT INCIDENT

MBABANE – Mbabane Swallows defender Xolani ‘Tyson’ Magagula has finally broke the silence on the alleged assault by Royal Leopard winger Mduduzi ‘Juries’ Gama on Sunday.

The incident sparked a nasty altercation between marshals from both teams soon after the final whistle was blown by referee Thulani Sibandze at Somhlolo National Stadium. Swallows won the first leg of the Castle Premier Challenge Cup semi-final 3-1. The youthful right back, who had splendid outing in the game against the police side, said his opponent punched him in his left ear in an incident that eluded the whistleman. 

The former Manzini Sea Birds player said he was shocked at the reaction of the player as he only won the ball from him without even fouling him but he ended up receiving a blow. “It was during the game when I won the ball from him and he punched me in the ear. The referee, Thulani Sibandze, and the assistant referee did not see the incident and only saw when I reacted towards him trying to defend myself. I then fell on the ground and he gave me a yellow card while I was being stretchered out of the field,” he said. Magagula said he was still feeling the pain in the ear, but was happy that leopard captain Siboniso Malambe calmed him down and apologised on behalf of Gama.

“I hold no grudges for the player. I was happy with the results and we are going to work harder in the second leg match,” he said. Mbabane Swallows acting CEO Sibusiso Manana said the assault to their player was bad. He said it was unfortunate that the referee did not take notice of the incident. “This is not in the spirit of football. We discourage such incidents during games.

The player is now doubtful for our MTN Premier League match against RSSC United on Wednesday (tomorrow) after the assault,” Manana said. He said they were happy with the results and hoping to also win the second leg match and proceed to the finals.
Leopard PRO Frank Hurube said even though he did not witness the incident, they were discouraging such habits. He said what happens after the game was out of hand.

“Football is all obout making friends and enjoying the game. I’m happy that we did talk about this with my colleague at Mbabane Swallows, Sibusiso Manana, and I hope it comes to an end. We are still to look into the matter and we will do our best that it does not happen in future,” Hurube said. Leopard captain on the day Siboniso ‘Rocco’ Malambe said he did not notice the incident. He said he only went to calm Magagula down.

The referees report is yet to be submitted to the Premier League of Swaziland (PLS) Offices.

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