MBABANE – As the relegation battle tightens, Manzini Wanderers find themselves fighting on two fronts; survival on the pitch and salvation off it.
Reports indicate that the ‘Weslians’ are actively searching for a financier to finally rescue them from persistent financial difficulties.
Running the club has allegedly become so costly that it can no longer be sustained through gate takings and member contributions alone. A substantial financial injection, coupled with the establishment of a proper governance structure, is now regarded as critical to steering the institution forward.
The maroon and white outfit have also been battling to maintain their image, with reports suggesting players have, on rare occasions, run out of food at the club house situated around Moyeni, Fairview in Manzini.
The situation has reportedly contributed to the departure of players such as Mozambican Manuel Silima and Osman Halid, now with Ezulwini United. Despite the challenges, finances appear to have marginally improved in recent days, with players said to have received allowances last weekend.
As the league enters its decisive phase, attention has shifted from the E120 000 first-round incentive to the ultimate prize of E1.1 million, alongside the desperate fight to avoid finishing among the four teams to be relegated in May.
The Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini-led side currently occupy bottom position on the log with just seven points after 16 league matches. They have recorded only one victory this season, against Ubombo Sugar.
A review of the 2021/22 campaign suggests that Wanderers and fellow strugglers Ubombo Sugar, Amawele and Sisonkhe could be facing a gruelling final stretch. Mathematically, a minimum of 27 points is required to evade relegation this season.
The maroon and white giants were inactive last season due to legal battles. During that period, now-defunct Tambuti staged a remarkable escape, collecting 18 second-round points compared to 12 in the first round.
Their survival was built on ruthlessness in decisive ‘six-pointer’ encounters against fellow bottom-half sides.
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Manzini Wanderers are actively seeking a financier to run the club. (Pic:Melusi Mkhabela)