Times Of Swaziland: COPS AT DRAMATIC ‘BULL’ PRESS CONFERENCE

COPS AT DRAMATIC ‘BULL’ PRESS CONFERENCE
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Ntombikayise Gwebu on 23/10/2024 10:00:00


EZULWINI – It was near chaos as police were called in during a Mbabane
Highlanders press conference.
The capital city giants’ Management Committee (MC) held a press conference to
address some pertinent issues at their clubhouse in Ezulwini, yesterday evening.
 However, some members of the MC, who included Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and
Assistant Manager Makhosonkhe Gama, were not present. Explaining their absence
was Public Relations Officer (PRO) Kenneth Dlamini, who chaired the meeting. He
said they were held up by pressing issues.It is said that some supporters
interfere with the running of the team and want Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe to
leave. Reports suggest that they sometimes arrive at the clubhouse and take
players without the approval of their team manager.
Drama ensued as some alleged supporters including National Supporters Committee
(NSC) Chairman Fash Dlamini stormed the venue demanding to be part of the
gathering. The MC said their official NSC was dissolved after two of its
remaining members were forced out. A few minutes later, police were seen
entering the gates. Thereafter, these supporters left on their own, with the
police keeping guard until Highlanders’ conference was over.  Team Doctor
Gcina Dlamini declared he will leave, if Kgomongwe is forced out.
“It is so shocking that some supporters even give advice to doctors when we
send players for treatment in hospitals when they don’t cater for expenses of
this team,” Gcina said.
Team Manager Simiso ‘Space’ Jele shared the same sentiments. “We always
face challenges. Some supporters interfere with daily activities of the club. If
the team director leaves I will also step down,” he said. Head Coach Mthunzi
Ginindza shared some challenges he faced in training.
“Some supporters arrived at training and asked where other players are. I
responded saying they were at work and some at school. They kept on pestering me
with administrative questions and I stopped responding to them. As a result,
they threatened to throw cans in games,” Ginindza said.Highlanders senior
player Mphucuko ‘Smoothies’ Dlamini said it was sad to see his team in such
a state.“I had not anticipated the team had so many challenges upon my return.
My wish is have each person regarding themselves as ‘Landers  person to work
for the betterment of this team,” he said.
Assistant Coach Barnes Mkhulisi denied knowing these supporters. “I do not
know them in the club. However, they have been causing havoc lately. We are
leaving in fear,” he said.
Concluding the conference MC Member and PRO Dlamini appealed for unity. “May
we unite to resolve the issues. Some supporters were celebrating when Sisonkhe
defeated ‘Landers last weekend. If we keep showing violent behaviour, no one
will want to lead the club,” he said.It is worth noting that Kgomongwe stay
remains undecided as he will make a decision after receiving feedback regarding
the conference.