Times Of Swaziland: MAMBA TAKE SWIPE AT ‘BUFFS’ MAMBA TAKE SWIPE AT ‘BUFFS’ ================================================================================ Mengameli Mabuza on 16/09/2024 08:39:00 MHLUME – Gone in 60 seconds. The phrase aptly illustrates the swift and unexpected departure of Sibongakonkhe Silenge and Innocent ‘Makhehleni’ Dlamini from Green Mamba to Young Buffaloes, a move that took place with lightning speed and caught many off guard in the Ernest Mavuso-led side. Just as the MTN Premier league season was about to get underway, the two players vanished from the ‘Inyoka Eluhlazane’ squad, seemingly without a trace, only to emerge at the Buffaloes’ camp within a matter of hours ahead of the 2024/2025 MTN Premier league season, which started at Nsukuwansuku Stadium at Mhlume, two days ago. According to sources, the two players were integral members of the Green Mamba squad, actively training with the Correctional Services team and featured prominently in Head Coach Ernest Mavuso’s plans for their season opener. However, their abrupt departure sent shockwaves throughout the ‘Inyoka Eluhlazane’ family. shock “This news came as a complete shock, especially at such an early stage of the season. To poach players so brazenly and without consideration is highly unprofessional and downright scandalous. It’s difficult to comprehend why Young Buffaloes, with their abundant resources, would resort to such underhanded tactics,” the source said. Confirming the speculation surrounding the players’ departure, another well-placed source within the Young Buffaloes organisation revealed to this publication that Silenge and Dlamini had resigned from Green Mamba, communicating their desire to switch allegiances and join the ranks of ‘Amathole Ezinyathi’. “The players arrived in the team base on Friday night and made it clear that they wanted to play for us,” the source shared. In a post-match interview following Green Mamba’s 2-1 victory over Rangers, Mandla Sibiya, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the team, confirmed the departure of Sibongakonkhe Silenge and Innocent Dlamini. Sibiya stated that the players had submitted their resignation letters earlier that morning, adding that the news came as a surprise to the team.“As Green Mamba, we are disappointed in the lack of professional conduct displayed by Young Buffaloes. If they want to sign our players, they should come to us directly and engage in proper negotiations, not resort to unscrupulous methods. We must maintain a level of integrity and professionalism in our sport, and avoid turning our beloved football into an amateur game, where players are secretly poached from one team to another without proper channels being followed. This is not only harmful to the clubs but also detrimental to the spirit of fair play, “he said. “Our players have valid contracts with us, which were not breached in any way. Therefore, we are confident that even if this matter were to be taken to the Players’ Status Committee, we would emerge victorious as we have adhered to all contractual obligations. This is because Green Mamba takes pride in conducting our affairs with professionalism and integrity. We are shocked and dismayed to see such unprofessional behaviour being exhibited in our league, and we urge all teams to adhere to the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play,” he revealed. The ‘Inyoka Eluhlazane CEO later announced that Green Mamba would release the players to Young Buffaloes, wishing them the best of luck in their future careers. Meanwhile, Young Buffaloes’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sandile Gwebu, said he was not aware that the two players had joined their team as they were not involved in any of their training sessions.