Times Of Swaziland: KNOBKERRIES RAISE SAFETY CONCERNS

KNOBKERRIES RAISE SAFETY CONCERNS
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Sanele Jele on 07/01/2025 08:37:00


MBABANE – The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has condemned not only the use
of weapons but also their introduction into stadiums.
PLE Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat Vilakati, made this statement on
national radio, yesterday morning. Vilakati was asked for his opinion on the
recent incident at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground. He stated he would be
commenting generally, not on behalf of the organisers, as the Hhohho Regional
Football Association (HRFA) was responsible for organising these games. He noted
that HRFA could provide a more eloquent response. This follows the violence that
erupted during the Ingwenyama Cup Hhohho finals held on Sunday. During the
violent scenes, knobkerries, logs and beer bottles were used. A knobkerrie is a
type of wooden club, typically found in Southern and Eastern Africa, often
featuring a large knob at one end and used for clubbing. For many cultures, it
holds significant cultural importance, particularly as the Ingwenyama Cup blends
football and culture.
“In general, it is not permitted to bring weapons into stadiums to protect
fans. Those entering the stadium are checked for weapons. We condemn the actions
of the fans – not just those from Hhohho, but everyone attending games – so
that we can secure sponsorships. If reports are received at the Hhohho office,
they will address them accordingly. We would like to apologise to those whose
property was damaged, particularly as we learned that a member of parliament’s
car was damaged in the process.”
knobkerries
When asked if knobkerries were allowed since it is a cultural event, he said:
“When attending games at the stadium, you can request those at the entrance to
guard your knobkerrie at the gate. You are welcome to come dressed in
traditional regalia, as this is the Ingwenyama Cup, which embodies culture.
However, at Premier League matches, we do not allow firearms in stadiums; we
encourage fans to leave them at the nearest police station. This is because
football is an emotionally-charged game.” When asked if it was a mistake to
allow these weapons into the stadiums, he remarked: “We cannot deny that it
was an error to permit these weapons into stadiums. The laws protect us, as
clubs have a duty to ensure the security of their fans. Clubs are urged to
appoint marshals to manage violence within stadiums and to identify potential
sources of violence. It is essential to have police and paramedics present
before games, as well as proper facilities, to ensure everything is in order. It
was a mistake that some were injured due to inadequate protection.”
He revealed that registration for the league opens on January 8, and highlighted
that the MTN Premier League continues. He noted that in the month under review,
they would kick off the main tournament of the Ingwenyama Cup, as all regional
teams have qualified. The teams joining the 28 PLE teams include Nkwene Sundowns
from Shiselweni, Ntsenga Comrades from Manzini, Hhohho’s Emajukujuku and
Ubombo Flyers of Lubombo. Meanwhile, Ingwenyama Cup Public Relations Officer
(PRO) Lenhle Masuku stated: “While the Ingwenyama Cup is focused on combining
football and culture, we are still expected to act and behave responsibly to
ensure the Committee delivers a spectacular yet safe environment. If individuals
misuse the cultural dress code to cause harm or bring any form of disrepute to
the sport, we will prohibit such items from being brought into the stadium.”
He issued a stern warning to clubs and supporters found to have caused
disruptions during the tournament, emphasising that severe penalties will be
imposed on those responsible for such actions.
congratulated
He congratulated the four regional clubs that have reached the last four and
entered the last 32 National Phase of the Tournament, expressing hope that they
represent their regions well.
Hhohho Regional Football Association (HRFA) Secretary Nkhosingiphile Shongwe
extended his deepest apologies for the unruly behaviour that occurred during an
SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup game. “This violence resulted in property damage,
including a vehicle belonging to Ntfonjeni MP Raymond Dlamini. We regret any
distress or inconvenience this incident may have caused and remain committed to
upholding the values of sportsmanship and respect.”
addressing
He mentioned that the HRFA Executive Committee is actively addressing the matter
and is currently awaiting official match reports. “Once these reports are
received, the implicated individual(s) will be summoned before the Eswatini
Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee to account for their actions.
This step underscores our commitment to accountability and maintaining the
integrity of our events.” FIFA’s regulations and the Laws of the Game
prohibit the possession and use of any weapons, including traditional weapons
like a knobkerrie, within stadiums during matches. These regulations are part of
broader efforts to ensure safety and security for players, officials and fans.