FANS’ WISH GRANTED AS...FIFA ACCREDITED REF LETTICIA TO OFFICIATE DERBY

MBABANE – Granted!

This is after our sister publication, the Times of Eswatini reported that fans on social media were divided over the right official to be in charge of the country’s ‘mother of all derbies’ tomorrow. The fans felt that FIFA accredited Referee Letticia Viana, and seasoned Referee Thulani ‘Goje’ Sibandze were the ideal officials to handle the Mbabane derby, between Swallows and Highlanders, penned for the Mavuso Sports Centre. According to a source within the referees, who requested anonymity out of fear of victimisation, revealed that the referees committee (RC), led by Sipho Kunene, have assigned Viana as the referee that would be handling the important and fiercely contested fixture in Eswatini football.

“The RC met on Thursday afternoon and agreed that Letticia will officiate the game, while Thulani Sibandze, who was also a strong contender for the game, will instead handle the Green Mamba and Nsingizini Hotspurs match at KaLanga Technical Centre tomorrow (today). Letticia has proven her ability to manage big games and this will not be her first derby, so the RC has confidence in her expertise. She brings a wealth of experience to the position and they believe she will do a fantastic job,” the source said.

Meanwhile, the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Football Manager Pat Vilakati appealed to supporters to accept results as they are on match day.
“We appeal to all the supporters going into the big game to be on their best behaviour and accept results after the final whistle,” he said. He also revealed the sitting arrangement as Swallows would occupy the main stands, while Highlanders would take the stand adjacent to the main, usually called ‘Etjeni’ by football fans.

Umkhonto KaShaka super fan Muzi ‘Bondas’ Simelane stated that in his opinion, the most suitable referees for the game would be Thembinkosi ‘Dovos’ Dlamini or Letticia Viana. He expressed his belief that either of these officials would be well-equipped to manage the match effectively and impartially, drawing on their experience and expertise.

“I would much prefer Dovos or Letticia for the game, as I think it’s time to give other referees a chance to shine. While Thulani Sibandze has previously officiated this game, I feel that rotating the roster of referees is important to ensure that everyone gets an opportunity to showcase their skills and to prevent stagnation. Both ‘Dovos’ and Letticia have proven their capabilities, and I believe that they would do an excellent job officiating this match,” he said.

Inkunzi Emnyama supporter and former Secretary for the club Ndumiso Dlamini  said it was tough to pick the referee for the derby, especially because there was a lot happening in the intense game but if it came to him picking, he would choose between Thembinkosi ‘Dovos ‘ Dlamini over Thulani Sibandze.

“In my opinion, Dovos is among the most consistent referees in the country. His errors during games are minimal, which reflects his excellent judgment and control. I believe he has performed better than many other referees in the league,’ he said
 RC Chairman Sipho Kunene could not be reached for comment after his cellphone rang unanswered when called yesterday.

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