Times Of Swaziland: NYAWO FINED E500 FOR SOCCER BOOTS THEFT

NYAWO FINED E500 FOR SOCCER BOOTS THEFT
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Sanele Jele on 24/10/2024 14:48:00


MBABANE – Mbabane Highlanders goalkeeper Qiniso Nyawo has pleaded guilty to
the theft of soccer boots.
Nyawo appeared yesterday at the Mbabane Magistrates Court. According to the
charge sheet, he was accused of stealing pink Nike soccer boots belonging to
Machawe Xulu, valued at E1 600. When the charges were read to him, Nyawo pleaded
guilty. Upon questioning by Senior Crown Counsel Chris Sibandze, he expressed
remorse for the incident, asserting that it would never happen again. When asked
which team he played for, he replied that he was with Mbabane Highlanders.
This prompted murmurs in the courtroom, as attendees noted that he was
representing a Premier League team. The senior crown counsel remarked; “Do you
realise that this is a significant team? Do not ever repeat such behaviour. You
will be fined E500 or face five months’ imprisonment.” Dressed in a grey
hoodie, blue track pants and sneakers, Nyawo appeared composed during the
proceedings. At times, he was seen lowering his gaze, with his hands clasped
behind his ears. Following the sentencing, he took a seat at the back of the
courtroom before stepping outside to make a few phone calls. It was later
revealed that he paid the fine on the spot. He confided to this publication that
it was former Mbabane Swallows Logistics Manager Dumezweni Dlamini who came to
his rescue.
“I want to sincerely apologise for my recent actions concerning the theft of
soccer boots. I am truly sorry for taking my friend’s boots without his
consent, and I regret the negative impact this has had on my friend, Mbabane
Highlanders, and the football community as a whole,” Nyawo stated. He
acknowledged that his actions had tarnished the team’s reputation.
“I am committed to ensuring that this will never happen again. I will work
diligently to restore the reputation I have damaged and strive to conduct myself
in a manner that reflects positively on our sport.” He emphasised that his
actions were not indicative of the Highlanders, as they are well compensated.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Dumezweni Dlamini for coming to my
rescue and assisting me with the fine. My time in jail was a harrowing
experience, and I have no desire to return.I promise to learn from this
mistake.” Meanwhile, Dlamini, who selflessly assisted Nyawo by paying the
fine, confirmed that he went to the court to provide the player with the
necessary funds. “The arrest of a soccer player for stealing soccer boots is
no laughing matter; it is a cause for concern. In Siswati, there is a saying
that goes, ‘licala livula ingubo lingene,’ which calls for a deeper
understanding of the case and encourages us to consider how we can bring life
back to the affected individual’s heart.”
He advocated for compassion towards the young player, urging that he should not
be vilified for his offence but rather corrected and encouraged to focus on his
promising career. “This is not my first time assisting players, regardless of
the team they represent; I have supported numerous players, some of whom I have
backed since their trials for Premier League teams.”
Meanwhile, Highlanders Director Ally Kgomongwe stated that he was unaware of the
incident but expressed his support for the player. When asked about the notion
that players steal due to inadequate compensation, he asserted, “We pay our
players well. That is why the players are siding with me.”