CHIEF ‘CHOCCO’ TO RETIRE AS HE ASSUMES A BIGGER ROLE

MBABANE – Former Mbabane Highlanders skipper and Manzini Sea Birds winger Colani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze will now have to pull the plug on his illustrious career, spanning over a decade.

This was after he was blessed as the Chief of Mahlalini in the Shiselweni region by their Majesties. The former ‘Bull’ star was among the 50 chiefs who were blessed by Their Majesties on Wednesday at Ngabezweni Royal Residence. Making her remarks, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi stated categorically clear on what was expected of all those who had been blessed as new chiefs. The Queen Mother , as she blessed the newly-installed chiefs, stated that they were now pillars of the country. “Your old habits die at this very moment. If one was a footballer, they are no longer expected to be out there playing with their peers but prioritise the duties that have been handed to them as leaders of the communities,” said the Queen Mother.

Comment

When reached for comment, Sibandze said since the authorities of the country had spoken, there was nothing he could do but listen. “Firstly, I would like to thank Their Majesties for blessing us to be leaders of our respective communities. This is a huge responsibility, which needs one to uphold high standard of respect for the people they lead,” said the new Mahlalini Chief. He said although he would have loved to continue playing football, he had to do the right thing now that the authorities had spoken. Meanwhile, Manzini Sea Birds Director Sicelo Mkhonta said they had not heard the speech of Their Majesties.

Blessed

“We have seen it in the newspapers that Sibandze has been blessed as the chief of Mahlalini, however, I have not heard the speech, I will have to see or listen to the speech and it is then as a team that we will meet and deliberate on this. However, one thing for sure is that when their Majesties have spoken, you cannot go against their word,” said Mkhonta. The 32-year-old midfielder joined Mbabane Highlanders in 2008 and left for Manzini Sea Birds in 2019. He has also played for the national senior team and the junior squads.

He was household name when he used to play for the Capital City giants. Interestingly,  when he signed for Manzini Sea Birds, the deal involved him getting a job. He is currently working for SwaziMed, where he is at the marketing department. His last game for Sea Birds was during the MTN Premier League opener about a fortnight ago against Leopard, which ended in 1-all draw.

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