Times Of Swaziland: IDLE ‘WESLIANS’ BEMOAN FINANCIAL WOES

IDLE ‘WESLIANS’ BEMOAN FINANCIAL WOES
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Nimrod Hlophe on 22/11/2024 07:58:00


MBABANE – Hub giants Manzini Wanderers Managing Director (MD) Wellington
Motsa, has revealed that they are grappling with financial challenges as they
are still out of action this season.
Motsa said this situation has hugely impacted their revenue stream, which
heavily relies on gate takings, as football in Eswatini is not subsidised. He
says the inability to play has resulted in a loss of income, straining the
team’s financial resources. “Our ongoing legal case has left us in a
precarious situation, unable to participate in matches, which in turn has
severely impacted our revenue stream. “It is common knowledge that football in
Eswatini is not subverted and relies heavily on gate-takings. Without the
ability to play, we have lost a crucial source of income, putting a significant
strain on our financial resources,’’ Motsa says.
Worth noting is that the biggest gate collection figure recorded so far this
season was E145 000. The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) collected this amount
during the Mbabane derby. However, E112 000 was made from the top-flight grand
opening doubleheader. Gate collections are taken by host teams, with PLE
deducting 20 per cent, as its share from the gross collections.  The Nyanga
‘Crooks’ Hlophe-led outfit has not been playing in the ongoing league since
the new campaign kicked off mid-Septembers.
Uncertainty
The uncertainty surrounding their participation in either the MTN Premier League
or National First Division (NFD) has also hindered their efforts to canvas
sponsorships. He said most potential partners only promise to assist them once
they are back in action. “This situation is also taking a severe toll on our
players. Their mental state is draining, given that soccer is not just a
passion, but a source of their livelihood. They support their families through
this profession and the uncertainty is causing significant stress as well as
anxiety,” the MD said.
The MD feels that football authorities have not been just in allowing such a
simple matter to drag on for so long. They implore the relevant authorities to
expedite a fair resolution to restore normality and support the livelihoods
dependent on the club.
Meanwhile, the Management Committee (MC) Chairman, Jabulane Dlamini also
clarified that they have not yet frozen training. Dlamini said they had to cut
it down from five to two days a week. He said they spent at least E2 000 on
training, with costs sometimes escalating above that. He said the main source of
funds has been some individuals’ pockets.