Times Of Swaziland: SIDWASHINI APOLOGISE  FOR FOOTBALL MAYHEM

SIDWASHINI APOLOGISE  FOR FOOTBALL MAYHEM
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Mengameli Mabuza on 29/06/2023 14:11:00


MBABANE – Hhohho Super League side Sidwashini United have issued a press
statement to apologise for the mayhem which took place during the regional
play-offs.
This was the second leg of the Hhohho Regional Football Super League match
between the latter and northern zone representatives Pigg’s Peak Rangers,
which was played at the Mavuso Sports Centre. Just when elite league top Referee
Thembinkosi ‘Dovos’ Dlamini blew the final whistle, a skirmish erupted as
Sidwashini players and supporters bayed for the blood of all the match
officials. They alleged that they (referees) allowed two goals for Rangers,
which were scored from offside positions. The situation was saved by the quick
intervention of security officers who produced their guns and fired several
warning shots in the air to disperse the visibly angry united supporters and
players.“The managing director, the whole Sidwashini united family, whole
heartedly condemns the unfortunate incidents of violence and hooliganism which
marred our game against Pigg’s Peak Rangers. Since we all know that football
is a sport of emotions, everything happened unexpectedly that day - never been
planned.
We take this moment to send our sincere and unconditional apologies to all
football stakeholders for such unsporting behaviour. The office of the managing
director will surely task a team; with the help of Hhohho Regional Football
League investigate the cause of such an unfortunate scenario. “May we also
plead with all our loyal supporters to be always vigilant and guard against
hooligans who might pretend to be part of us and tarnish the name and reputation
of our team. We acknowledge and appreciate efforts of our team director, and
marshals who were on the ground, trying to control the whole situation.
Sidwashini United wishes to assure all stakeholders and the general public that
it shall take all legitimate steps to restore confidence and trust in the
beautiful game. Surely those fans and officials will be met by a deservedly
correcting major for that incident,” reads part of statement in part. On the
other hand, this is not the first commotion to take place at the venue. One of
them involved the same referee Thembinkosi, who found himself running for dear
life after a portion of Mbabane Swallows supporters invaded the pitch in pursuit