Times Of Swaziland: OVER E60K BOOST FOR PIRATES

OVER E60K BOOST FOR PIRATES
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Nimrod Hlophe on 13/06/2023 09:08:00


MBABANE – Despite a dry second round spell without salaries, Moneni Pirates
players finally have something to smile about, as they will share E30 000.
The ‘Sea Robbers’ of Moneni players were reported to have last got salaries
in January, courtesy of South African (SA) businesswoman Alinah More, who was
unveiled as one of those to run the team in the past season. The club manager,
Twoman Masuku, during the end of season party for the players held over the
weekend at Moneni, announced that they would get bonuses. He said the club’s
sponsors were able to raise E30 000 to be shared by the players, as well as the
technical bench led by Coach Ikabort Masocha. “We are happy to announce that
through the generosity of our sponsors, who raised E30 000 to be shared by the
players, each player will get over E1 000,” Masuku announced.
Forked
It was established that Multipurpose Distributors forked out E20 000 towards
incentivising the players. Multipurpose is one of the team’s major sponsors,
which were on Sunday thanked along with other sponsors and shareholders for
their support. The manager also revealed that their supporter, who is based in
Ireland, Emmanuel Nxumalo, contributed E10 000, as well as Umbro-branded
merchandise valued at E32 000.Meanwhile, Gentlemen Corner Boutique Director
Nhlanhla Msweli also pledged a E3 000 voucher for the Player of the Season to
buy clothes to that value at his shop. The player of the Season is yet to be
announced by the club.The club’s Under-19 side was not left out as they were
given E1 400, courtesy of Manzini South Member of Parliament (MP) Thandi Nxumalo
and former player Nhlanhla ‘Madida’ Mabuza for winning 4-1 against Green
Mamba on Sunday.
Reached for comment, Public Relations Officer (PRO) Mbuso Hlophe said they were
over the moon for the support they received from their stakeholders and
sponsors. “We are very grateful to everyone, who pledged out towards the best
interest of the team. “They have been with us through all spells, and we
believe it will go a long way in motivating the players.
“They will, alongside the technical team, be proud to be associated with this
brand,” Hlophe said.
Extended
He also extended a token of appreciation to individuals and companies who had
invested in any local team. “Football is part of life and a language that is
understood by everybody.
“We plead with companies not to distance themselves from teams because
football is the only fertile ground at this age,” he added.
Expenses
Pirates, over the past season, spent about E820 000 in expenses of running the
club.  Worth noting is that Pirates was not the only team which was affected by
the issue of players’ salaries. Manzini Wanderers went through the whole
season without affording to honour the player’s financial obligations of their
contracts.