Times Of Swaziland: ‘BIRDS’ SUFFER MAJOR BLOW ‘BIRDS’ SUFFER MAJOR BLOW ================================================================================ Lindokuhle Madlopha on 09/11/2024 07:43:00 MBABANE – Capital city giants, Mbabane Swallows are facing a significant setback ahead of the eagerly-awaited Mbabane derby, as they will be without one of their star players. Swallows will miss the services of midfielder Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula, who has been suspended by the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), due to accumulating yellow cards. Magagula will be sidelined when Swallows take on their rivals, Mbabane Highlanders, tomorrow at Mavuso Sports Centre, kick off at 3pm. According to the 2023/24 MTN Premier League rules and regulations, a player who receives three yellow cards consecutively is suspended for the next match. “According to the records filed at the PLE office, the player has accumulated three yellow cards. In accordance with Article 37.1 of the MTN Premier League 2024/25 Rules and Regulations, he is, therefore, suspended from participating in the next match to be played by his team,” states part of the official letter. Magagula was poised to make his debut in this season’s first major derby since joining the team. He has been a valuable asset to Umkhonto kaShaka and recently earned acclaim for scoring a stunning goal in a tense match against the football giants, Green Mamba. Impacted Meanwhile, both Sea Birds and Moneni Pirates have also been impacted by the PLE yellow card rule, with Mkhuleko Magagula from Sea Birds and Muhle Mamba from Moneni Pirates also facing suspensions. Additionally, Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows will be without Mancoba Maseko, when they face Lozitha Spurs due to the same rule. Other players who may miss out on this weekend’s fixtures include Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala. Swallows, on the other hand, revealed that Given Lukhele has been discharged from the hospital, after being admitted following a car accident.