‘BIRDS’ FINED E40 000

MBABANE – Giants Mbabane Swallows have been fined E40 000 for misconduct.

The team appeared before the Melusi Lukhele-chaired National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) Disciplinary Committee (DC) at Sigwaca House in Mbabane last night facing two counts of misconduct.

In count one  Swallows were fined E30 000 after the side’s lanky defender, Talent Maphosa, was found guilty of throttling assistant referee Phinda Ndzimandze during the Castle Premier Challenge  final  that was won 2-1 by  Green Mamba on October 11.  The player was further slapped with three months suspension which was, however, suspended for the rest of the season. In the other charge, the red and white ensemble were ordered to pay E10 000 after supporters threw objects towards the field of play during the same game.

However, Swallows are expected to pay a total fine of E15 000 as two thirds of the fine in the first count and half in the second was suspended. Swallows, represented by team acting Chief Executive Officer, Sibusiso Manana, had pleaded guilty to both counts but had asked for leniency in mitigation on grounds that they were first offenders in the new season, among other things.

In delivering the verdict, the DC had taken into account the team’s remorse but noted the seriousness of the charges as they brought the game into disrepute. Also appearing before the committee were RSSC whose then assistant (now interim head coach), Sifiso ‘Barnes’ Mkhulisi  was charged for uttering derogatory words  in the 1-all draw with Manzini Wanderers about a month ago. The team, represented by assistant Public Relations Officer, Bongani Mthupha, was fined E8 000.

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