Times Of Swaziland: Sportsmen’s political ambitions!

Sportsmen’s political ambitions!
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BY ASHMOND NZIMA on 04/08/2013 04:39:00


MBABANE – Over 10 sports personalities are eager to get a seat in the next
Parliament.
They were nominated in the different imiphakatsi around the country yesterday.
They include Chairman of the Swaziland National Sports Council (SNSC) Menzi
Dlamini, NFAS Vice-President Nichodemus ‘Ace’ Mashwama, Pigg’s Peak Black
Swallows Chairman Charles Matsebula and referees Libnar Sibiya and Phinda
Sihlongonyane.
Dlamini was nominated at Eluvinjelweni under the Nkhaba Inkhundla while Mashwama
was nominated at Mpolonjeni.
Others are former Manzini Wanderers Chairman Bheki Gamedze and Owen Nxumalo,
Swazi TV Sports Journalist John Molelekeng, SBIS Sports Commentator Nathi Hlophe
and Woman’s Football Association (WFA) Secretary Sikhu-mbuzo Dlamini and
former Manchester United Chief Executive Officer Treasure Msweli.
The nominations were held at imiphakatsi around the country. It continues today.
Mashwama said he was hopeful that he would again make it to Parliament. He said
the primary elections would be most challenging. “I’ve done a lot to develop
Mpolonjeni Inkhundla in the past Parliament, so it is a wait and see
situation,” he said.
Matsebula who was nominated at Mshingishingini Umphakatsi under the Ntfonjeni
Inkhundla said he was ready for the challenge as there was a lot that he could
do for the constituency.
... booed Mashwama nominated for 2nd term
SITEKI - Outgoing Mpolonjeni Member of Parliament (MP) Nichodemus ‘Ace’
Mashwama’s nomination for his second term surprisingly attracted boos
yesterday.
Mashwama who doubles as National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) First
Vice President got nominated at Dvuba Umphakatsi in his constituency.
Loud boos were heard from a distance immediately when one woman identified as
Nomthandazo Vilakati suggested the former legislator’s name.
The murmurs lasted for less than a minute before Mashwama declared that he would
stand for re-election. He was the second nominee on the day behind one Jacob
Siwela.
Interviewed afterwards, he said he never got intimidated when he was not the
first MP nominee on the day. “I have contributed to the development of the
people of Mpolonjeni, so there is no reason to be worried.  However, It won’t
be a stroll in the park as the major challenge could be the primary
elections,” he said.
The former Lubombo Regional Football Association (LRFA) Chairman was nominated
with the likes of well known former Royal Swaziland Police (RSP) Lubombo
Regional Commander John Lukhele and former MP Malandvula Gamedze who served
about 10 years ago.