Times Of Swaziland: FOLLOWING G.MAMBA OFFICIAL ‘TSIKI’ ATTACK:  FOLLOWING G.MAMBA OFFICIAL ‘TSIKI’ ATTACK:  ‘BIRDS’ FACE E90K FINE

FOLLOWING G.MAMBA OFFICIAL ‘TSIKI’ ATTACK:  FOLLOWING G.MAMBA OFFICIAL
‘TSIKI’ ATTACK:  ‘BIRDS’ FACE E90K FINE
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Ntombikayise Gwebu on 22/10/2024 07:41:00


MANZINI – Assaulted Green Mamba official Lawrence ‘Tsiki’ Mncina has
reacted to the disturbing incident.
Mncina, who recently pulled the plug on his illustrious career spanning over a
decade and a half, is the official who was attacked by some Mbabane Swallows
marshals and fans during the epic MTN Premier League clash played at Mavuso
Sports Centre, two days ago.  Swallows won 1-0. After retirement, late last
year; he assumed an administrative role at Green Mamba.
Narrating the ordeal, he shared that he was among Green Mamba officials sitting
at the allocated area next to the tunnels, when he stood up in a bid to relay a
message to team Trainer Mbuso Gina, who was with the substitutes.
“As I stood up, one of the Swallows marshals followed me and I explained that
I needed to communicate with Gina, which is part of my administrative duties in
the team. I’m more of a data analyst for the team. The marshal started issuing
instructions to me on where I should go and I agreed. I wanted to get closer to
Gina and stood by the ambulances to shout the instructions.
“As all this happened, I was escorted by the Swallows marshal. We even
discussed the path I should follow to return to my seat. Without notice, he
started blocking my way, but I raised my hands as a symbolic gesture of
surrender. His actions incited the other marshals who ran to attack me. Without
provocation, I was immediately floored and some fans joined in and kicked me all
over the body,” he narrated.
Mncina shared that he sustained serious injuries in his leg and struggled to
even stand and had to be stretchered to the ambulance that was inside the
stadium. He highlighted that he is relieved there are no reported damages on the
head, at least for now.“I was treated by the paramedics at the stadium and
discharged. I will visit the doctor for further check-ups,” he said.
Mncina said he would not press charges with the police but would expect the
football rules to be applied by the authorities in dealing with the matter.
“I don’t know what might have led to the attack. I was made to believe it
had to do with suspicions of carrying foreign substances. I’m hurt because I
only had the documents I use in my line of duty and I don’t believe in foreign
substances at all. It’s painful to be attacked when you have never provoked
anyone throughout your entire life,” he added. Swallows Public Relations
Officer (PRO) Knowledge ‘Bhambo’ Ngwenya said the team is against this act.
clarity
“We are still to get clarity on what took place. As management we are against
such violent acts,” he said.
On top of compensating the survivor, assault in the Premier League, as per the
rules, is punishable with a hefty fine. The team could also be charged using
Article 7.1(d) of the Premier League Rules and Regulations that frowns on
uttering derogatory words towards anyone at a stadium. This article states that
the use of provocative or insulting gestures or signals, unbecoming behaviour or
conspiracy or attempt to act to bring football into disrepute or inciting people
to behave in a manner that brings the game of football into disrepute, the
offender stands to be fined a minimum of E25 000 by the DC. The action is also
against Article 7. 1(g), which is about failure to control the fans. In total,
this means that the team could be fined up to E90 000, should they appear before
the DC.
Warning
PLE through their Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Petros ‘Pat’ Vilakati
issued a warning to unruly fans. Vilakati was responding to a questionnaire
asked by Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) Sportshow host
Siphesihle ‘Sihlabani’ Nxumalo. He had asked what measures the PLE would
take following the incident. “Fans should behave themselves in stadiums. We
are still to get finer details of what transpired before dealing with this
matter,” he said.
Meanwhile, before his retirement, the then-exciting diminutive midfielder had
played in the Premier League for 16 years. ‘Tsiki’ was recruited by the late
former Sihlangu Assistant Coach Gcina ‘Magiyane’ Dlamini to play for former
Premier League side Mhlambanyatsi Rovers, in 2007, from Pigg’s Peak Dragons
while still a learner at Mhlatane High School, outside Pigg’s Peak. He went on
to join Green Mamba, in 2011. In honouring him, Green Mamba retired his jersey
number eight, for this season (2024/25).
(Additional information by Ashmond Nzima)