Times Of Swaziland: SEA BIRDS BEMOAN  ‘CHOCCO’ RETIREMENT

SEA BIRDS BEMOAN  ‘CHOCCO’ RETIREMENT
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Nimrod Hlophe on 19/10/2022 07:14:00


MBABANE – “We are aggrieved; we still needed him.”
That was the reaction of Manzini Sea Birds on the retirement of their
experienced star and newly-installed Mahlalini Chief Colani ‘Chocco’
Sibandze. Sibandze’s football career has come to an end just after close to 15
years of playing elite football. His football retirement comes after he was
ordained Mahlalini chief last Wednesday by Their Majesties, who stated that the
new role involved quitting football. The former ‘Bull’ star was even not
part of the Sea Birds squad that thrashed Tambuti 4-2 this past Saturday.
Sea Birds Public Relations Officer (PRO) Thami Cebe has congratulated the player
on behalf of the team. “We wish him all the best as he executes his duties. We
still needed him especially for this Sunday’s games (MoMo Cup play-offs) due
to his experience. He has demonstrated leadership skills while with the team,
was full of respect and a disciplined player who never picked even cards during
games,” Cebe said.
Signings
Cebe was further optimistic that some of the quality players they had would step
up and fill the void left by the chief. He added that they had  some surprise
signings they would announce soon as the first window period would close on
Friday. He then encouraged fans to fill up Mavuso Sports Centre on Sunday during
the MoMo Cup play-offs where they will tie up against Denver Sundowns. “I
promise you that we will be playing in the last four of the tournament. We will
win the two games on Sunday and we don’t fear either Highlanders or Wanderers.
They know us, ask them, our fans must continue voting for fixtures,” said
Cebe.