Times Of Swaziland: AMID INTERNAL TURMOIL:  ‘RUBBER’ TO BULL’S RESCUE

AMID INTERNAL TURMOIL:  ‘RUBBER’ TO BULL’S RESCUE
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Sanele Jele on 12/11/2024 08:32:00


MBABANE – It has finally emerged that the benevolent individual who came to
the aid of Mbabane Highlanders is none other than former Director, Bheki
‘Rubber’ Simelane.
This revelation follows the team’s frustrations during their past two matches,
where they were compelled to don various new kits and even rent a sprinter to
travel to their league games.
Highlanders sported a striking Nike white and black kit during their midweek
clash against Young Buffaloes, where they triumphed 2-1 at Mkhuzweni Sports
Ground. However, during their encounter with Mbabane Swallows at Mavuso Sports
Centre this weekend, they were seen in a Puma black kit. In this game,
Highlanders ultimately succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in the Mbabane derby played
this past Sunday.
Simelane’s intervention was necessitated by the unavailability of essential
resources from the team director, Ally Kgomongwe. The former director, speaking
through his brother Mandla Simelane, clarified that his decision to assist was
not made lightly. “There were Highlanders representatives who sought help, and
as a legend, I could not refuse, especially since I played for the team. My
assistance is a tribute to the late legend Innocent ‘Ten Ten’ Ginindza.” 
When asked about the specifics of his support, he revealed that he provided
soccer balls, a Nike kit and a Puma kit. Additionally, he arranged for players
to rent accommodation and secured a sprinter to transport them to the two
respective matches.
The gesture is estimated to have cost over E50 000. “Imagine if Highlanders
were to forfeit games due to a lack of transport or playing kits. We were not
only safeguarding the team, but also protecting the integrity of the Premier
League, its sponsors and Eswatini Football Association (EFA). Highlanders are a
prestigious team and must honour their commitments,” he asserted.
Simelane, who was part of the resurgent Highlanders that became a powerful force
before Kgomongwe took over more than five years ago, expressed a desire for any
existing differences among supporters, patrons and the team director to be
resolved for the benefit of the players. When questioned about his interest in
taking over the team should the situation remain unresolved, he firmly stated
that he had no intention of assuming control. “As I mentioned, I am helping
because I love the team. I have no desire to take over, as there is already a
team director. The Highlanders community must address these issues.”
Meanwhile, Director Kgomongwe remarked that there were individuals expressing
readiness to take over the team. “No one has access to the team’s equipment
except those legally appointed to do so. Those interested must contact us, and
we will provide them with the necessary items.”When asked why he did not
voluntarily provide the equipment, he explained that he was reluctant to do so
due to concerns about attempts to usurp control of the team.  He commended
Simelane for his assistance, stating, “Simelane is mature and understands that
the team is mine; I possess all the documentation, which I can provide.”
When queried if he would offer help for the upcoming game, he reiterated that he
was not offering assistance, but rather asserting his ownership of the team. 
Regarding the way forward, he suggested that the management should not need to
seek help for kits and transport; instead, the rightful management must resume
their appointed roles. He indicated plans to write to the Premier League of
Eswatini (PLE) to request for sweeping changes in the management of the team.
Addressing the absence of foreign players in the derby, he explained that their
permits had expired, which is why they were not included in the match.
When confronted with allegations of locking the FIFA Connect system, which
hindered access to players due to a changed password, he refuted these claims,
asserting that nothing had been altered. “Space Jele did not change anything;
the PLE Acting CEO Pat Vilakati contacted us, and we assisted him in accessing
the system. We simply want the Highlanders community to adhere to the proper
channels and protocols to restore normality.”  He emphasised that he could not
sabotage Highlanders, as he is willing to provide any necessary assistance. He
urged them to approach him rather than seeking help from the wrong individuals.
Meanwhile, Patron Chairman Thembinkosi Mamba stated that they had requested a
meeting with Kgomongwe to address the ongoing challenges. “We have asked some
Highlanders representatives to facilitate a meeting so we can discuss these
issues and seek a way forward. We have heard numerous reports from the media and
are very concerned. We want a formal statement following our meeting with the
team director.”
He affirmed that they entrusted the team to Kgomongwe, and if he faced
challenges in its management, they will address them. When asked if he could not
meet with them, he indicated that they will convene as Highlanders patrons and
supporters to make a decision, emphasising that their priority is to meet with
Kgomongwe and determine the next steps.