Times Of Swaziland: RISING PLAYERS STATUS COMMITTEE CASES WORRY PLE

RISING PLAYERS STATUS COMMITTEE CASES WORRY PLE
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Nimrod Hlophe on 08/02/2025 09:13:00


MBABANE – The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) is troubled by the surge of
player transfer disputes reaching the Players Status Committee (PSC) this past
transfer window.
The second registration window period, which closed five days ago, saw a number
of players seeking the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) PSC’s assistance to
secure releases from their clubs. Disputes between clubs and players were over
clearances requiring the committee’s intervention.
For instance, on January 23, 2025, close 20 players were at Sigwaca House lining
up for their cases to be heard. They ranged from top-tier to regional football
leagues players. PLE Chairman, Polycarp Dlamini, has voiced his concerns, urging
teams and players to resolve matters amicably. “It’s worrying to see so many
players running to the Players’ Status Committee. We’d like clubs and
players to try to resolve issues around the table, rather than matters
escalating to the committee,” Dlamini said.
Livelihoods
He emphasised the need for a balance, with clubs understanding that players’
livelihoods depend on football, while players also need to refrain from taking
their employers for granted. “They shouldn’t just think that whenever
there’s an issue, they’ll run to the PSC. It’s not the right approach,
because sometimes teams don’t have the money, but try their best to provide
for their welfare,” he said.
Meanwhile, an immediate comment from the PSC was unavailable yesterday. This was
meant to obtain precise figures of players who filed cases this registration
window compared to the Sipho Matse-led committee’s previous registration
window period.
Cases
During the transfer window, which closed last Monday, a considerable number of
cases were reported. Among the reported cases was that of former Mbabane
Swallows left-back, Siphosethu Mabilisa. Swallows and Mabilisa disagreed over
his release to Young Buffaloes before the PSC ruled committee intervened.
The committee advised that ‘Birds’ and his current club, Young Buffaloes, to
discuss their differences to reach a solution, which eventually led to the
player’s release. Swallows also secured the signing of Green Mamba’s
striker, Kwenzokuhle ‘Ndoye’ Khumalo, through the PSC after a dramatic turn
of events, as the player was initially reported to have been cleared to Ezulwini
United.
Intervention
Others who sought the PSC’s intervention included four Manzini Wanderers
players Phathizwe ‘Kati’ Mabuza, Lindelwa Dludlu, Sandile Maseko and
Jabulani Mavimbela. Also, former Mbabane Highlanders Captain, Philani Mkhonto,
was released to Manzini Sea Birds at the eleventh hour, just before his case was
due to be heard by the PSC.