Times Of Swaziland: FORMER PLE CEO CONFIRMED REFS’ BOSS

FORMER PLE CEO CONFIRMED REFS’ BOSS
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Mengameli Mabuza on 19/08/2024 07:44:00


MBABANE - The prodigal son is back.
This is the story of former Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) and erstwhile Eswatini Referees Association (ERA) Secretary
Simanga Nhleko. The latter has bounced back in the association after ascending
to the position of Chairperson of the association, while kuhle Mkhwatshwa has
been appointed as the new Treasurer. Nhleko won the position with 41 out of 59
votes during elections held after the ordinary general assembly (OGA) at Sigwaca
House yesterday. The elections were facilitated by the Eswatini Football
Association (EFA) Ethics Committee led by Magistrate Siphosini Dlamini, which
attracted over 50 referees from various regions of the country.
In a closely-contested election for the coveted position of Chairperson of the
Eswatini Referees Association, Nhleko emerged victorious, garnering an
impressive 41 votes to outshine his rival Esrom Dlamini, who secured a total of
17. The election process was largely transparent and fair. Nhleko is now
expected to lead ERA into a new era of professional excellence and progress.
Former Assistant Referee Petros Mbingo, having retired from officiating this
year, surprisingly withdrew from the race for ERA Chairperson.
In a heartfelt interview, the newly-elected ERA Chairperson Nhleko, described
his return to the association as an emotional experience, marking the end of a
five-year hiatus from active involvement. Speaking with a tone of reflection and
gratitude, Nhleko expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to contribute
to ERA’s growth and advancement once more, while also acknowledging the
significance of this milestone in his personal journey.
“I recognise and appreciate the numerous challenges that referees in Eswatini
have been contending with for many years, including during the time when I was a
referee myself. While I cannot simply outline my plans without first engaging
with the entire association to discuss the issues at hand, I can assure you that
my deep understanding and empathy for these issues will drive my leadership
forward, as we strive to create a more equitable and supportive environment for
referees across the country,” he said. Nhleko emphasised the need to initiate
meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders within the association, in order to
gain a comprehensive understanding of the current issues and identify the most
pressing priorities for addressing them.
“One of the most pressing concerns facing ERA at this time is the inadequate
levels of allowances being received by referees, an issue that has remained
largely unaddressed since my departure from the association several years ago.
In order to bring about meaningful change in this area, I believe it is
essential for ERA to engage in direct conversations with both the Eswatini
Football Association (EFA) and the Premier League, with the shared goal of
identifying a solution that ensures fair and equitable compensation for our
referees,” Nhleko shared.
This publication had earlier hinted that Nhleko was expected to be confirmed the
new chair, as fellow nominees did not meet the required four years for serving
in the executive. However, against all odds; the fellow nominees were cleared to
contest in the elections by the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Ethics
Committee.
Meanwhile, the ERA Secretary General, Mbongeni Shongwe, expressed his
satisfaction with the outcome of the elections, affirming that the referees were
successful in their endeavours and that the entire process had run smoothly. The
experienced administrator replaces former Chairman Jabulani Motsa, who stepped
down from the position four months ago. Match commissioner Kuhle Mkhatshwa
replaces the resigned Phinda’ Ndishi’ Dlamini in the Treasurer position. The
former was nominated unopposed. Phinda also resigned four months ago from his
position with former Chairman (Motsa).
(More reports in tomorrow’s publication)